This term, from "The Book of Rites," means attaching great value to good faith and seeking harmonious relations, which was a key feature of the society of "universal harmony" envisioned by Confucian scholars from the Warring States Period through the Qin and Han dynasties. They believed that in an ideal society, the land should belong to all its people, and there should be mutual trust, cooperation and harmonious relations between people and between states. "Keeping good faith and pursuing harmony" subsequently became an ethical norm advocated by Confucian scholars; it later also became an important Chinese cultural norm governing relations between people and between states.
引例 Citation:
◎大道之行也,天下为公。选贤与能,讲信修睦。(《礼记·礼运》)
大道实行的时代,天下是属于公众的。选拔道德高尚的人和有才能的人,所有的人都讲求诚信、和睦相处。
When great Dao prevails, the land belongs to all. The virtuous and competent people are selected as officials; good faith is valued and people live in harmony. (The Book of Rites)