Various characters are mentioned in the Book of Changes, and some scholars divide these characters into five categories: emperor, king, adult, gentleman and villain. Among them, gentlemen and villains often appear at the same time, forming a strong contrast. When educating the younger generation, the old people often say that people are villains first, then gentlemen. It means the same as saying ugly first.

What is a gentleman? What is a villain?

A gentleman in the modern sense refers to all people with high moral knowledge and tolerance, and is a model for learning. Ancient gentlemen, with both ability and political integrity, were gentle and cultivated, and did something different. If you are ambitious, you will help the world, and if you are poor, you will be immune to it. This is the ideal personality pursued by China people.

In ancient times, especially in the Book of Changes, "villain" is a neutral word, which is the common name of ordinary people and everyone except "Mr. Adult". The villain in the modern sense has been derogatory and is the antonym of the gentleman. Especially a dirty dog who likes to gossip, hit people when they are down, and is not on the right track.

Thanks to the praise of Confucius, the Book of Changes is more profound in thought and philosophy. From the contrast between "gentleman" and "villain", we can get a glimpse. The ideas contained in the Book of Changes have become the core of scholars and literati. The purpose of learning the Book of Changes is to abandon the behavior of "villains" and constantly temper their own conduct along the norms of "gentlemen".