蒙學漢文初階 第七十一之課 Beginning Chinese - Entry Level Lesson #71 不忍害物謂之仁 not bear_to harm things said_to_be it benevolent 處事合宜謂之義 handle process fitting appropriate said_to_be it righteousness 進退周旋合於天理謂之禮 advance retreat thorough revolve fitting to heaven will said_to_be propriety 能别是非善惡謂之智 able differentiate yes no good evil said_to_be it wisdom 誠實不偽謂之信 honesty truth not fake said_to_be it trustworthiness 急人之難謂之俠 urgent man [pp] hardship said_to_be it hero 是六者皆人之美德也 is six things all man [pp] beauty virtue [em] Those who cannot bear hurt the living are said to be benevolent; those able to handle things well and appropriately are said to be righteous; to be able to advance and retreat and socialize according to the laws of heaven are said to have propriety; able to distinguish the right and the wrong; good and evil are known as the wise; having honesty and integrity are said to be trustworthy; to help those in danger are known as heroes. These six qualities are man's good virtues! Notes: There words whose taken singly mean totally different when taken as a compound form. In this passage, there are two such examples. 1. 周旋 = to mix with others; to socialize; to deal with; to contend 2. 是非 = right or wrong; quarrel; gossip; things that lead to misunderstanding of human relationships.