Being a Loyal Friend

Zengzi's famous daily self-examination places friendship (朋友) at the center of moral reflection, alongside professional duty and personal study. The word 信 (xìn)—trustworthiness—is the quality under scrutiny. For Zengzi, it is not enough to have friends; one must daily ask whether one has been worthy of them. Friendship here is not a leisure activity but a moral obligation.