- 4. Do not disregard the beneficence bestowed upon you
- Beneficence is the benefit that others give to you. To disregard this is to forget their beneficence and betray their goodwill; you are indebted to others and you must reciprocate.
You are indebted to Heaven and Earth for your life, lifespan, and happiness, so you should do your utmost to devote yourself to the Human Way by establishing the great ethic of reciprocity through sincerity, respectfulness, and faithfulness. You are indebted to your nation and society for your security and comfort, so you should do your utmost to devote yourself to fostering the development of society and the well-being of the community and fulfil your obligations as a citizen through your loyal devotion and service. You are indebted to your parents for your birth and rearing, so you should do your utmost to devote yourself to
practicing filial piety through the great ethic of ancestor veneration and reciprocation. You are indebted to your teachers for your education and edification, so you should do your utmost to devote yourself to practicing pious discipleship through respecting and passing on their teachings. Finally, you are indebted to your employers for your livelihood, wages, and position, so you should do your utmost to devote yourself to fulfilling your duty through trustworthiness and industriousness.