Junzi
The word junzi is a Chinese philosophical term often translated as "gentleman", "superior person", or "noble man". Since the characters are overtly gendered, the term is frequently translated as "gentleman"; gentry and distinguished/moral person are common gender-neutral translations. Traditionally referring to the "aristocratic nobility of the Zhou", Junzi is employed in the Book of Changes to mean a superior, ideal person whom constantly cultivates virtue and improves their character, and by Confucius in his works to describe a virtuous person with noble characters.
In Confucianism
In Confucianism, the ideal personality is the 聖 shèng, translated as saint or sage. However, since sagehood is unattainable for most people, Confucius articulated a less demanding ideal of a cultured and moral life, using the term junzi—originally denoting a member of the nobility—to refer to anyone who embodies this ideal, regardless of social status. Junzi acts according to proper conduct to bring about harmony, which Confucianism maintains should rule the home, society, and the state. Li primarily has to do with social expectations, both in terms of the formal behavior and the execution of religious rites and imperial ceremonies also proper conduct in human relationships. Confucius considered a junzi to be someone who embodies humanity – one who possesses a totality of the highest human qualities. He elaborated that junzi embody the concept of ren and outlined specific qualities they have, recorded by his disciples in the Analects. A junzi embodies moral superiority by adhering to the ritual code of the tradition, displaying respect and dignity towards others, and striving for virtues such as humility, sincerity, trustworthiness, righteousness, and compassion. Zhu Xi categorized the junzi as second only to the sage.Junzi have many characteristics. A junzi does not compromise his virtues even in poverty; a junzi's actions speaks louder than his words; a junzi is loyal, obedient and knowledgeable. A junzi disciplines himself. According to Mencius, ren is the core virtue of a junzi.
The concept and term of junzi were used as Chinese proverbs. An example is "君子成人之美", which roughly means "A junzi'' brings out the best in people".
Governance
As the potential leader of a nation and country, the son of the ruler is raised to express superior ethical and moral positions while gaining inner peace through virtue. To Confucius, the junzi sustained the functions of government and social stratification through his ethical values. Despite its literal meaning, any righteous man willing to improve himself can become a junzi.The junzi rules by acting virtuously himself. It is thought that his pure virtue would lead others to follow his example. The ultimate goal is that government behaves much like family. Thus at all levels filial piety promotes harmony and the junzi acts as a beacon for this piety.