Xin — honesty

Definition

Be truthful in word and deed. Keep the promise. Trust is built by the match, not by the claim.

The lesson

Xin is trustworthiness. People can hand you a partner, a secret, a beginner, or a duty because your word has survived contact with inconvenience. Honesty about your level belongs here too. Do not wear a rank in your mouth that your practice has not earned.

Keep one promise you would rather postpone. If you cannot keep it, say so before the hour, not after a story.

How. Keep one costly promise, or tell the truth about your real level at one thing you care about and practice at that level.

Watch. A sincere tone over a promise you have already decided to slide.

The book finishes this. How a hall comes to trust a man, which takes longer than a single honest sentence.