In the twentieth-century, a refined gentleman is one who is kind and affable. Confucius, while he had the same definition of a refine man, he nonetheless emphasized that a gentleman is someone who keeps his word. Chichung Huang interprets Confucius’ lessons on life in The Analects of Confucius. Confucius based his lessons on four basic principles: culture; honesty; wholeheartedness and morality. Confucius considered that his lessons were laws, which would keep society alert. The classifications of a refined person are many, but the one thing he values most is morality.

Confucius’ moral lessons are well understood by the refined man. He values moral lead: “The gentleman cherishes virtuous; the small-man cherishes his land.” The gentleman treasures institutions and the small-man cherishes favours. Confucius made many comparisons between a small man and a prevalent man. This instructing says that a man who is refined is really concerned about his moral direct. This instructing makes the refined person appear better because it contrasts how the smaller man is less interested in morals and virtues. Since a refined person values rituals and customs, it is a good example of moral leadership. Confucius regarded a cultural man as one who valued and loved his own customs. In his lessons, the Master also says that women who are beautiful can be an interruption for men who love virtue and ethics. Confucius declares, “It’s over!” I have never seen anyone who loves virtue more than he loves women with beauty. Men with high morals will not be tempted by women who are full of desire or beauty. If men ignore desire, then they can continue to value virtue and ethics.

Confucius gives his lessons occasionally to children and young men to make sure they are aware of what it takes to be a refined man. Confucius said, “Younger boys and brothers must love and respect all men, be truthful to elder brothers, and show filial devotion to parents. They should use the extra energy they have after practicing all of these things to learn about culture. Confucius’ lesson on culture is almost the entire four-part focus of his teachings. In the first place, he tells men to be authentic with their older and younger siblings. A refined gentleman is earnest. Confucius counsels the younger men and kids to “love and cherish all men”. A refined man respects moral leadership, and so keeps close those who do the same. Confucius also believes that men should learn about their culture.

Confucius believes that another thing that makes a man refined is the ability to avoid corrupting activities. A man who does not have virtues is deemed ethical. The gentleman refrains from three things. He abstains in adolescence from sex. When his sap is in its prime he avoids belligerence. Finally, as he ages, his sap wane and he stops being greedy. Three abstentions help men maintain a high regard for ethics, even as they age. Confucius said that the second class man has a lack of desire. Refined men are not to be narrow-minded or forceful. Refined men are a good example for others to follow in order to maintain a moral and ethical society.

Honesty, sincerity and a man’s refined nature are other things that he should cherish. To be honest, you should value action over words. Follow up what you have said when talking. Confucius stated, “The Master said, Junzi wishes to speak slowly and act quickly”. Confucius education today is similar to the old saying, “Actions speak louder than Words”. The man who speaks and then does not act on what he says is viewed as dishonorable. A refined person would rather be honest than to rely on his words. A man who isn’t honest will not be respected or trusted. To be regarded and trusted by others, an honest man is required to maintain a high level of refinement. Confucius stated: “Make loyalty, trustworthiness your pivot. Have no friends that do not share this trait”. People trust a refined man because he is honest and true.

Nobody is perfect, even the most refined of men. The refined men can make mistakes, but the difference between them and the less refined men is that they will admit their mistake and try to fix it. Confucius’ pupil said, “The errors of the gentleman are like eclipses of the Sun and Moon”. Everyone can see his error, and when he rectifies it, everyone is impressed. As a result of their general ethical excellence, the refined man is someone who people look up at. This means that when they make a mistake those who admire them will be able to see it. To remain idealistic, and to be appreciated by others, the refined man fixes any mistakes he makes. He makes mistakes but does not repair them like the refined person. Confucius says that the smaller men’s response to a mistake is “to always gloss over the mistake”. The smaller men are not as honest and refined as the refined ones. The smaller men do not admit their mistake to society. They try to cover and disguise it. Confucius also says that smaller men will not be able to tell the truth, so he is better off with refined men.

Confucius said that a man who is refined will be honest when confronted with embarrassing situations. Confucius was regarded as a refined and upright man by everyone, including his students. They are also respected for being straightforward and virtuous. A refined gentleman values and practices his own customs. He is not like smaller men, who don’t respect or value their own customs. Confucius believed that refined men are great leaders who can show society how to live. Confucius didn’t think refined men had to have higher ranks or classes, just that they were unrivaled for their humanity.