This video corrects the concept of Zhongyong (the Doctrine of the Mean), which was previously explained simply as "staying in the middle," and digs deeply into its true meaning from the perspective of Confucian philosophy. The Doctrine of the Mean is not simply about suppressing emotions. Rather, it emphasizes a relentless pursuit of finding the optimal comfort suited to each situation through continuous learning (as taught in the Great Learning, Daxue) within the context of human relationships (ren/in). Ultimately, it serves as a philosophical guide on the mindset we need to adopt to penetrate the essence of life and reach genuine happiness.

1. Reflecting on Two Years Ago: The Mean Is Not Simply "The Middle"

The video begins by looking back at a previous video about Zhongyong from two years ago. At that time, borrowing Aristotle's perspective, the concept was explained as something like "too close to a fireplace is hot, too far is cold, so the middle is just right" -- a physical middle ground that is neither excessive nor deficient. But looking back now, that explanation failed to capture the true meaning of Zhongyong as understood in Confucianism. So today, the host aims to properly discuss the real Zhongyong -- considered the pinnacle of Confucian examinations and the essence of Confucian scripture.

First, the core message of the previous video was that "love for people (ren/in) is the true truth of Confucianism, rather than rigid Confucian etiquette (li/ye)." But on further reflection, questions arise: Why is love the truth out of nowhere? And just as etiquette changes with the times, shouldn't love (ren) also change? To resolve this ambiguity, we first need to redefine the nuance of Zhongyong as we knew it -- the concept of "maintaining balance."

The excessive is no good, and the deficient is no good, so it's always best to stay in the middle. ... This is probably what you remember about "Zhongyong." But at that time, by trying to explain it as simply as possible, including Aristotle, I can't say I properly explained "Zhongyong" in hindsight.

2. The Core of Zhongyong: The Center of Emotions, and "Ren"

In Confucianism, "the center (zhong/jung)" does not refer to a physical location but to the center of emotions. Being ecstatic because your cryptocurrency soared, or trembling with rage because your boss berated you -- these are states that have departed from the center. Conversely, the most comfortable state where emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure are not erupting -- a state where serotonin is flowing -- this is the center that Zhongyong speaks of.

But there's a crucial misunderstanding to avoid here. Does having no emotional turbulence mean lying at home doing nothing? Absolutely not. That is not comfort but emptiness. Zhongyong is not a state of inaction but an attitude of ceaseless effort to practice "ren" (humaneness/benevolence), the ultimate goal of Confucianism.

If we break down the character "ren" (仁), it combines "person" (人) with "two" (二). In other words, it means human relationships. Humans are social animals wired in their DNA so that they cannot feel true comfort alone. We feel genuine stability only when we interact with family, friends, and colleagues, giving and receiving love.

What is "the center (zhong)" that Confucianism speaks of? It's about mood. It refers to the center of emotions. ... Just a calm, peaceful state -- that is the center Confucianism describes, the human default state. In modern terms, think of it as the state where serotonin is flowing.

If you write the character for ren (仁) in Chinese characters, it looks like this: the radical for "person" (人) with the character for "two" (二) attached. In other words, it means human relationships. ... Humans, without exception, need to rely on family, laugh and chat with friends, collaborate with colleagues on work, and go on happy dates with a partner -- only then do they feel truly at ease.

3. Comfort vs. Safety: Why Do We Need Relationships?

Some people might object: "I find meeting people uncomfortable -- I'm more comfortable alone." But looked at honestly, hiding in a corner of your room is not true "comfort" -- it's merely "safety," a retreat from the fear of being hurt. What hikikomori (social recluses) feel is not the happy serotonin state but something closer to an avoidance state where anxiety is reduced.

As psychologist Alfred Adler stated, a life that pursues only safety tends to become unhappy. We are all humans who share 99% of our traits -- we have eyes, noses, and mouths; we eat and sleep. The very fact that we communicate online, watch dramas, and seek vicarious satisfaction is already evidence that we crave love and relationships.

Ultimately, Zhongyong is an "attitude of pursuing comfort," and that comfort comes from "love (human relationships)." The first step of Zhongyong is looking honestly into your heart and acknowledging what life you truly want and what mindset makes you feel at ease.

The comfort that hikikomori define is actually closer to "safety." If you look deep into their hearts, they too have a genuine desire to feel truly at ease. ... But because they are so terrified of the wounds that come from relationships, they are running away from comfort.

Psychologist Adler didn't say this for nothing: "The more humans pursue safety, the more unhappily they live." He linked the pursuit of safety with serious mental illness, crime, extreme choices, exploitation, sexual deviance, alcoholism, and drug addiction, asserting very strongly that these are the values of failed individuals.

4. Why the "Great Learning" Comes First: Breaking Free from the Illusion of Knowledge

Hearing all this, you might think: "Oh, so it's just the obvious message of loving each other and getting along?" But would what Confucius devoted his entire life to teaching, and what Joseon Dynasty scholars studied for decades, really amount to just that? If you feel that way, you haven't truly understood ren and Zhongyong yet.

That's why to properly understand Zhongyong, you must first read the "Great Learning" (Daxue). The core of the Great Learning is: "Continuously learn and refine yourself." Don't be deluded into thinking you already know -- keep doubting, questioning, and elevating your level of understanding. Our lives and relationships are far too complex to be summed up with the simple phrase "just love."

Among the "Great Learning" and "Doctrine of the Mean," both steeped in Confucian philosophy, the book you should read first is not Zhongyong but the Great Learning. Because the core message of the Great Learning is "keep learning and refining yourself." ... Endlessly doubt, endlessly polish yourself, learn and learn again.

5. Answers That Change with Context: The Trap of Blind Love

True Zhongyong is not about unconditionally being nice to people and showering them with love. Because the "center" shifts depending on the situation, context, time, and place.

For example, suppressing yourself out of religious conviction and always accommodating others may look like love on the surface, but it ultimately exhausts you and makes the other person uncomfortable. The patriotism of Germans who supported Hitler may have been love among themselves, but for human history it was a horrific tragedy. Obsessive one-sided love, a parent's possessive love treating their child as property, the attitude of lecturing a romantic partner like a teacher -- all carry the label "love" but are far from genuine comfort (Zhongyong).

Sometimes, firm discipline is love. Sometimes, reading a book alone is more loving to yourself than drinking with friends. The ability to discern what truly constitutes "the center that makes both yourself and others comfortable" amid complex situations -- that is precisely why study is needed.

The reason the majority of Germans supported Hitler a hundred years ago was that he genuinely loved them and their neighbors. ... But the actions they took have become the most uncomfortable event in human history. ... People who harbor one-sided crushes for a long time mistake their dopamine-soaked state for love, but this is far from genuine comfort.

When a teacher interacts with a student, instruction is a method of love and an action approaching comfort. But when dealing with a romantic partner or friend, instruction becomes an obstacle to love and an action that distances comfort. ... For parents, understanding and consolation is love, but sometimes firm scolding is also love.

Closing: The Attitude Toward True Zhongyong

In conclusion, the practice of Zhongyong is love, but it is not a simple matter that can be resolved with the single phrase "just love." To live life well, you must break free from the illusion of knowing.

When you stop dismissing the word "love" lightly and instead intensely contemplate, study, and elevate your understanding, only then can you hold your emotional center steady without wavering in any situation. The attitude of unhesitatingly seeking optimal comfort amidst the complex contexts of life -- that is the true "Zhongyong" this video aims to convey.

Break free from the illusion of knowing. If you refuse to brush off the word "love" with a laugh and instead struggle to raise your level of understanding, someday you will discover the countless essences hidden behind that word. And in any situation, any context, you will be able to move toward your emotional center without hesitation. That is the real "Zhongyong."