Used as a noun, "善" (shan, goodness) refers to good people, good deeds, or benefits. For example: "When Confucius sang with others and they sang well, he would always ask them to repeat it, and then harmonize with them." (The Analects, Book Seven, Chapter 31) Another example: "The Master said, '...Promote the good and teach the incapable, and the people will be encouraged.'" (The Analects, Book Two, Chapter 20) Used as a verb, it means to become good or to make good. For example: "Confucius replied, 'In governing, why use killing? If you desire goodness, the people will be good.'" (The Analects, Book Twelve, Chapter 19) Another example: "Zi Gong (a disciple of Confucius) asked about Ren (Benevolence). The Master said, 'A craftsman who wishes to do his work well must first sharpen his tools. When dwelling in a state, serve the worthy officials and befriend the benevolent scholars.'" (The Analects, Book Fifteen, Chapter 10) "善" (shan) also means "skilled at" or "properly." For example: "The Master said, 'Yan Pingzhong (a minister of Qi State) was skilled at interacting with others; even after a long acquaintance, they still respected him.'" (The Analects, Book Five, Chapter 17) Another example: "The Ji family sent Min Ziqian (a disciple of Confucius) to be steward of Fei. Min Ziqian said, 'Politely decline for me! If anyone comes to summon me again, I will surely be on the other side of the Wen River.'" (The Analects, Book Six, Chapter 9)
Regarding "goodness," Confucius had several well-regarded views, such as his teaching on "following what is good." The Master said, "When walking in the company of three people, there must be a teacher for me. I choose what is good in them and follow it, and what is not good I correct in myself." (The Analects, Book VII, Chapter 22) Confucius advocated learning from the good and correcting the bad. He said, "Lack of cultivation of De (Virtue), lack of practice in learning, inability to move upon hearing Yi (Righteousness), and inability to reform one's faults—these are my worries." (same source) What Confucius cared about was cultivating virtue, studying knowledge, practicing Ren (Benevolence) and Yi (Righteousness), correcting errors and following goodness, striving to become a person of noble moral character. He taught his disciples in this way and also encouraged himself accordingly.
The text discusses the Confucian principle of “giving credit to others for good deeds.” It states: “The Master said: ‘When good is done, credit others; when mistakes are made, blame yourself—then the people will not quarrel. When good is done, credit others; when mistakes are made, blame yourself—then resentment will diminish.’” “The Master said: ‘When good is done, credit your ruler; when mistakes are made, blame yourself—then the people will be loyal.’” “The Master said: ‘When good is done, credit your parents; when mistakes are made, blame yourself—then the people will practice Xiao (Filial Piety).’” (Book of Rites, “Record of the Dykes,” Section 30) When something good happens, attribute the merit to others; when errors occur, criticize oneself. Confucius advocated “being good to the world without boasting” (I Ching, “Qian Hexagram,” Part 1). His disciple Yan Hui (Confucius’s most beloved disciple) said, “I wish not to boast of my goodness” (The Analects, “Gongye Chang,” Chapter 5), meaning even after doing good deeds, one should not brag. This idea of Confucius still holds value for reference today; if people today could “give credit to others for good deeds,” interpersonal harmony would surely be achieved.
Confucius said: "One who is trustworthy and fond of learning holds fast to the good Dao (Way) unto death. Do not enter a state in danger; do not stay in a state in chaos. When the world has the Dao, show yourself; when it lacks the Dao, remain hidden. When the state has the Dao, it is shameful to be poor and lowly; when the state lacks the Dao, it is shameful to be wealthy and noble." (The Analects, Book VIII, Chapter 13) This spirit of upholding the good Dao (Way) even unto death is truly commendable.