Ancient wisdom, enduring values

From oracle bone inscriptions of the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC), through bronze vessel inscriptions of the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC), to bamboo slips from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the character de evolved from an initial political concept into a personal virtue, becoming a key component of Confucian thought.

It is widely believed that zhi, a character found in oracle bone inscriptions, serves as a precursor to the modern-day de. Initially, zhi referred to purposeful travel and often appeared in divination records concerning military campaigns and tribute offerings. Although it did not yet directly connote politics or morality, it was associated with matters of state.

During the Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-256 BC), zhi acquired a stroke representing the heart, transforming into the familiar form of de. This change encapsulated the dominant political values of Western Zhou aristocrats, who sought to sustain their lineages and win the ruler's trust.

By the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), the authority of the Zhou sovereign had diminished. As regional rulers sought to strengthen their states, they needed to gain popular support. Against this backdrop, de was no longer limited to loyalty and service to the Zhou ruler; it increasingly emphasized the welfare of the common people.

During the Warring States Period, the growing role of the shi, or educated elite, helped lay the foundations of bureaucratic government. Personal character and competence gained greater social recognition, giving rise to more varied interpretations of de.

The concept thus developed two dimensions: at the state level, it represented enlightened governance attentive to the people's welfare; at the individual level, it embodied benevolence, integrity and moral self-cultivation.

— AD

The National Museum of Chinese Writing in Anyang city, Henan province, and Liu Hao contributed to the story.