Humility
Young people in China today may not have a clear
understanding of Confuciuss Analects or of his influence on
Chinese and other East Asian civilizations, yet aspects of
Confucian principles still pervade China today. Despite the
current emphasis on making money, concepts like manners
and humility are arguably as important today as they were
during the Han Dynasty.
It is considered impolite to boast or brag, so a common
response to a compliment or praise is to be self-deprecating.
Complimented on an exquisite home-cooked meal, a
Chinese host would be more likely to make a self-deprecating
response about the evening than accept a compliment
about the food. Accepting compliments straight out
is considered impolite.
Yet a distinction must be made between humility and
humbleness, for though it is considered polite to show
humility in ones actions, the tendency for Chinas nouveaux
riches to flaunt their wealth is anything but humble.
A Chinese millionaire, living in a gated community and
driving a Porsche is certainly not humble, yet when asked
about business, he or she will likely claim not to be doing
that well, in an attempt to show humility.