The Four Beginnings

The Four Beginnings is a philosophical concept from Confucianism that describes innate qualities essential for human development. They are: 1. **Feelings of Compassion**: The natural tendency to empathize and care for others. 2. **Sense of Shame**: The awareness of right and wrong, prompting moral behavior. 3. **Sense of Courtesy**: The instinct to respect and interact harmoniously with others. 4. **Sense of Right and Wrong**: The understanding of justice and ethics. Collectively, these beginnings suggest that humans have inherent virtues that, when nurtured, guide behavior toward a moral and harmonious life.