中庸

Doctrine of the Mean

Confucianism · concept

A central Confucian text (one of the Four Books) and its core philosophical concept. The Mean (zhongyong) is the virtue of acting neither excessively nor deficiently but finding the fitting course in every situation — the path that aligns with one's nature, social role, and cosmic harmony. Not mere compromise but dynamic appropriateness. Attributed to Zisi (Confucius's grandson), the Mean is one of the Four Books. It is not mediocrity but the ever-shifting point of balance between extremes.

As Confucius taught through the Analects and as the Confucian tradition of self-cultivation holds, Doctrine of the Mean represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

1 wisdom cards explore this concept
9 related philosophical concepts
0 in-depth guides
7 search questions answered

What Are the Key Facts About Doctrine of the Mean?

  • Tradition: Confucianism
  • Chinese: 中庸
  • Category: Concept
  • Definition: A central Confucian text (one of the Four Books) and its core philosophical concept.

What Cards Are Related to Doctrine of the Mean?

Modesty

Hexagram 15 · Earth over Mountain

What Concepts Are Related to Doctrine of the Mean?

Ren 仁
Related to
The Mean is the practical expression of ren in everyday situations
 Junzi 君子
Expresses
The junzi walks the path of the Mean — neither excessive nor deficient
 Li 礼
Related to
Li (ritual propriety) structures the practice of the Mean
 Yin Yang 阴阳
Parallel in
The Mean harmonizes opposites, much like the balance of yin and yang
 Golden Rule 己所不欲勿施于人
Related to
The Mean guides the fitting application of the golden rule
 Mencius 孟子
Influenced
Mencius's thought influenced the development of the Doctrine of the Mean
 Han Feizi 韩非子
Entity Entity
Han Feizi's realism contrasts with the Confucian doctrine of the mean
 Cheng (Sincerity) 诚
Related to
Cheng is central to the Doctrine of the Mean
 Neo-Confucianism 理学
Related to
The Doctrine of the Mean was key to Neo-Confucian metaphysics

Common Questions

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Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Doctrine of the Mean, consult these external sources:

Further Reading