This is, as we have seen, particularly so where the purpose of an act is to show a certain attitude, e.g., respect. No action is inherently a sign of respect. An action can only serve to show respect given a certain convention and a convention can only be stated in a rule. Thus while a rule can remain right only if it is constantly measured against the demands of principles, a principle cannot do without rules if it is to be put into effect. This dialogue between rule and principle constitutes the essence of Confucius’ moral thinking.
