@article{ART003367498},
author={Kim Jeom-Nam},
title={An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中)},
journal={Industry Promotion Research},
issn={2466-1139},
year={2026},
volume={11},
number={3},
pages={465-475},
doi={10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465}
TY - JOUR
AU - Kim Jeom-Nam
TI - An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中)
JO - Industry Promotion Research
PY - 2026
VL - 11
IS - 3
PB - Industrial Promotion Institute
SP - 465
EP - 475
SN - 2466-1139
AB - This study identifies the psychological and philosophical mechanisms of “moral humility” in Confucius’s life narrative. To address the limitations of Western-centered quantitative approaches to humility studies, this research conducts a qualitative narrative analysis based on the Analects and the Records of the Grand Historian. The analysis shows that Confucius’s moral humility manifests in three interrelated dimensions. First, through Yu-i-bul-geo(有而不居), or “possessing without attachment,” Confucius demonstrated exceptional self-regulation by restraining his self-centered ego and anger even in extreme crises, such as the Chen-Cai ordeal (陳蔡之厄). Second, despite repeated political setbacks, he displayed resilient positivity grounded in Mu-a (毋我), or “selflessness,” transcending personal desire and finding existential joy in learning. Third, based on Si-jung (時中), or “acting in accordance with the time,” and Chung-seo (忠恕), or “faithfulness and reciprocity,” he demonstrated interpersonal competence by moving beyond rigid hierarchical authority to build emotional solidarity with his disciples. In conclusion, Confucius’s life narrative, centered on emptying the self and reconstructing community, offers a profound philosophical foundation for establishing the ethical governance required in the contemporary ESG era.
KW - Confucius;Moral Humility;Yu-i-bul-geo((有而不居));Mu-a(毋我);Si-jung(時中);Ethical Governance
DO - 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
ER -
Kim Jeom-Nam. (2026). An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中). Industry Promotion Research, 11(3), 465-475.
Kim Jeom-Nam. 2026, "An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中)", Industry Promotion Research, vol.11, no.3 pp.465-475. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
Kim Jeom-Nam "An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中)" Industry Promotion Research 11.3 pp.465-475 (2026) : 465.
Kim Jeom-Nam. An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中). 2026; 11(3), 465-475. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
Kim Jeom-Nam. "An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中)" Industry Promotion Research 11, no.3 (2026) : 465-475.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
Kim Jeom-Nam. An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中). Industry Promotion Research, 11(3), 465-475. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
Kim Jeom-Nam. An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中). Industry Promotion Research. 2026; 11(3) 465-475. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
Kim Jeom-Nam. An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中). 2026; 11(3), 465-475. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
Kim Jeom-Nam. "An Analysis of the Moral Humility Mechanism in Confucius’s Life Narrative: Focusing on the Practice of “Possessing without Attachment” (有而不居), “Selflessness” (毋我), and “Acting in Accordance with the Time” (時中)" Industry Promotion Research 11, no.3 (2026) : 465-475.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.3.465
