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The argument for natural exemplarism as put forth in the Analects of Confucius is neither completely justifiable nor morally sound. Truly exemplary persons (junzi) are naturally authoritative (ren), says Confucius, because they are comfortable behaving authoritatively and do not stop behaving so “even for the space of a meal” (4.5) This isn’t saying that people start out knowing how to behave or anything, rather it says that efficacy (de) comes naturally out of following the rules. Confucius explains this concept extensively in the first chapter. People become exemplary, he says, by first exhibiting filial responsibility (xiao) (1.2). Then, they must do their utmost (zhong), make good on their word (xin), and put their knowledge into practice(1.4). Respecting ancestors in sacrificial ceremonies and the like also establishes de. (1.9) This, of cou