In Confucianism, the "Five Virtues" of Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Fidelity define the correct actions, behaviors, and ways of thinking. These virtues were highly valued in Samurai society and remain important principles in Japan today.
However, excess in anything is harmful. Date Masamune (1567 - 1636), one of Japan’s most prominent warlord, is credited with a few lines that warned us against too much of everything:
仁に過ぐれば弱くなる
義に過ぐれば固くなる
礼に過ぐれば諂となる
智に過ぐれば嘘をつく
信に過ぐれば損をする
Which translates to:
Being too benevolent will make you weak and unable to voice your opinions.
Being too righteous will make you inflexible.
Being too polite will make you seem obsequious, and so trust will be lost.
Being too wise will tempt you to lie.
Being too faithful will make you prone to loss.
I often find myself agreeing with Masamune's perspective. Reflecting on my own experiences, I've sometimes found it difficult to quickly connect with others, hindered by too many manners that turn into rigidity. I am a bit of an introvert, I think, and etiquette and manners can sometimes serve as a shield to protect myself when socializing. Have you ever felt uneasy interacting with Japanese people? It might be because of their excessive politeness 😅.
The Five Virtues are crucial principles, but excess in any of them can be detrimental indeed. Like everything in life and Nature, the key lies in a fine balancing act.
Masamune was probably a master at balancing those virtues. He was a cultured person and a very fine political and military strategist and managed to maneuver unscathed during turbulent times between many ambitious and powerful warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
A truly well-balanced and remarkable leader.
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