The Art of Seeing Beyond Oneself: A Confucian Perspective on Humility

In this introduction, the discussion first points out that, although Confucian humility continues to be recognized as a deeply rooted virtue in East Asian traditions, and is even regarded as one of the hallmarks of admirable character in contemporary East Asian contexts, there remains considerable uncertainty about what truly constitutes humility. This lack of clarity is evident not only among scholars interpreting classical texts but also among ordinary individuals seeking to embody humility in everyday life. Several reasons for this confusion are outlined, along with a hermeneutic approach to textual analysis and the possibility of reconstructing the concept of Confucian humility in the most authentic form achievable by contemporary interpreters. Finally, the chapter briefly discusses how Confucian humility can serve as a reference point for addressing the difficulties of building meaningful relationships in an age marked by excessive self-centeredness.