









仁人志士 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “People with noble aspirations and moral integrity, who are willing to make sacrifices for a just cause; noble-minded and high-principled individuals”. Literally, “Benevolent people and noble-minded scholars”.
During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius's disciples asked: "What should one do if benevolence, integrity, and loyalty conflict with one's life?"
Confucius replied: "True noble-minded and benevolent people will never compromise their benevolence and righteousness out of a desire to cling to life. To uphold benevolence, they can disregard their own lives."
Zigong then asked how to cultivate benevolence. Confucius answered that it must start from the top, leading the common people to emulate it.