kiến nghĩa bất vi vô dũng dã.( Luận ngữ)

Definition

1. Idiomatic Phrase (Classical Proverb):
   • Seeing what is right but not acting upon it shows a lack of courage: This is a classical Chinese proverb from the Analects of Confucius (Luận Ngữ). It defines true courage (dũng) not as mere physical bravery, but as the moral fortitude required to take action when one witnesses an act of injustice or a situation demanding righteous intervention. Inaction in the face of what is right is condemned as cowardice.

Usage Examples

• As a moral principle:
  • "Kiến nghĩa bất vi vô dũng dã" là một lời dạy sâu sắc của Khổng Tử. ("Seeing what is right but not acting upon it shows a lack of courage" is a profound teaching of Confucius.)
  • Anh ta nhớ đến câu "kiến nghĩa bất vi vô dũng dã" và quyết định lên tiếng. (He remembered the phrase "seeing what is right but not acting upon it shows a lack of courage" and decided to speak up.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase is primarily used in formal, literary, or didactic contexts to discuss ethics, morality, and personal character. It is often cited in essays, speeches, or discussions about social responsibility and Confucian values.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghĩa (n): righteousness, justice, moral duty.
• Dũng (n): courage, bravery (often moral courage in this context).
• Bất vi: not to do, to refrain from acting.

Synonyms

• Moral cowardice: failing to act on one's ethical principles.
• Apathy in the face of injustice: lack of concern or action when wrong is witnessed.

Related Concepts

• Kiến nghĩa tất vi: A related concept meaning "upon seeing what is right, one must act."
• Vô dũng: The state of being without courage, specifically the moral courage highlighted in the proverb.