The prime virtue in the Confucian system is jen. Jen is the combination of "human being" and "two." It is best translated as "human-heartedness." In the sociable Confucian ethic, one cannot become a person by oneself. Jen simultaneously embraces humanity toward others and respect for yourself. If you are a person of jen, you have the capacity to measure the feelings of others by your own. In public and private life, this means you have a largeness of heart that seeks to affirm others as you yourself would wish to be affirmed.

Gail Godwin, Heart