Listen to this articlegāng yì 刚毅
Firm and Resolute
坚强而果决。“刚”指坚强而不屈，“毅”指果断而不犹豫。人们对于道义的遵守会受到各种干扰。“刚毅”即强调要破除这些干扰，既不为个人的私欲所影响，也不受暴力或强权的胁迫，让自己的言行始终符合道义的要求。儒家认为，“刚毅”作为一种重要的美德，接近于“仁”德。
The first of these two Chinese characters means firm and unyielding, the second one means resolute and decisive. As people often come under undue influences that affect their observance of moral standards, this term emphasizes the need to resist such influences by adhering to ethical rules in their conduct. People should neither succumb to self-driven motives, nor yield to violence and coercion. Confucian scholars regard firmness and resolution as an important virtue which is close to benevolence.
引例 Citation：
◎子曰：“刚、毅、木、讷，近仁。”（《论语·子路》）
（孔子说：“刚强、果毅、质朴、少言的品德，接近于仁德的要求。”）
Confucius said, “Being firm, resolute, simple and sparing with words. This is a virtue that comes close to benevolence.” (The Analects)
◎儒有可亲而不可劫也，可近而不可迫也，可杀而不可辱也。其居处不淫，其饮食不溽，其过失可微辨而不可面数也。其刚毅有如此者。（《礼记·儒行》）
（儒者可以亲密而不能加以威逼利用，可接近而不能加以胁迫，可杀掉而不能加以侮辱。儒者居住的地方不奢侈，饮食滋味不丰厚，其过错可委婉地指出而不可当面数落。儒者的刚毅有这样一些表现。）
Confucian scholars can be befriended but not be made to act under duress, can be on close terms with others but not coerced, and can be killed but not disgraced. They live simple lives and eat simple food. Their faults may be pointed out in a subtle manner, but not accusingly to their face. Such are their firmness and resolution. (The Book of Rites)
