# Li Ren: values and conduct: summary

Considers humane conduct, the relationship of gain and right action and learning from others while examining oneself.

https://sakimyto.com/en/classics/analects/chapter-04-li-ren-values-and-conduct

## Source and summary

[The Analects · Li Ren: values and conduct](https://zh.wikisource.org/w/index.php?title=%E8%AB%96%E8%AA%9E/%E5%85%A8%E8%A6%BD&oldid=1082965#%E9%87%8C%E4%BB%81%E7%AC%AC%E5%9B%9B)

> 子曰：「里仁爲美。擇不處仁，焉得知？」

Considers humane conduct, the relationship of gain and right action and learning from others while examining oneself.

## Editorial interpretation

The example below adapts this chapter’s questions to modern work. Evaluate it against the actual purpose and conditions; ancient politics, warfare or ethics do not establish business results.

## Business application

Even for a profitable opportunity, check customer commitments and quality standards; state refusal conditions before accepting it.

1. Choose one relevant case and record its objective, available resources, verified facts and unknowns.
2. Compare options using this chapter’s perspective; choose a limited trial, owner, deadline and a measure to assess the result.

Deliverable: A comparison using li ren: values and conduct, with conditions for acting or declining.

## Limits

The summary selects main points rather than translating every sentence. The example is not a demonstrated business method; check it against stakeholders’ conditions and actual evidence.

## Validation question

How does this chapter’s perspective change the selected option or priority, and what further evidence could change the decision?

[The Analects: a guide to learning and reflection](https://sakimyto.com/en/classics/analects)

[This material](https://sakimyto.com/classics-data/entries/analects/chapter-04-li-ren-values-and-conduct.en.md)

Updated: 2026-10-13 · v1.0.0