In Confucius’s system of thought, “Xin (Trustworthiness)” mainly has two meanings: the first is sincerity and honesty, as in: “In interacting with friends, am I not trustworthy?” (The Analects, Book 1: Xue Er) and “At home, practice Xiao (Filial Piety); abroad, practice Ti (Fraternal Respect); be cautious and trustworthy, love all people broadly, and draw close to those with Ren (Benevolence)” (same source).
In Confucius’s view, trustworthiness and honesty (Xin, Integrity) are excellent moral qualities and fundamental principles for conducting oneself in life. Confucius said: “I do not see how a man can be without trustworthiness—how can a large carriage without a yoke or a small carriage without a collar be made to go?” (The Analects, Book 2, Chapter 22). This means that a person without credibility is utterly unable to function, like a carriage lacking the key component to harness the horses. He admonished his students that to act smoothly in all matters, one must first achieve Zhong (Loyalty), Xin (Trustworthiness), Du (Sincerity), and Jing (Respect).
Confucius believed that Xin (Trustworthiness) plays an indispensable role in official advancement and governance. "If one is trustworthy, others will entrust him with responsibilities." To participate in politics, one must first gain the ruler's trust, and as a subject, the most important qualities are Zhong (Loyalty) and Xin (Trustworthiness). Only by "holding loyalty and trustworthiness as paramount" can one "be entrusted with an orphaned child of six feet tall, and be given charge of the mandate of a state of a hundred li" (The Analects, Book VIII, Taibo), thereby becoming a Junzi (Exemplary Person) of noble character. Rulers, in particular, must emphasize integrity. Confucius said: "In governing a state of a thousand chariots, one must be serious in handling affairs and trustworthy, economize on expenditures and love the people, and employ the people according to the proper seasons" (The Analects, Book I, Xue'er). Only by being conscientious and trustworthy in ruling a country can one win the loyalty of the people and then speak of "bringing peace to all under Heaven."
Confucius believed that the qualities of Zhong (Loyalty) and Xin (Trustworthiness) must be perfected through diligent learning; otherwise, one will not understand their principles and will inevitably be deluded by them. "Loving trustworthiness but not loving learning leads to the delusion of being easily fooled." (The Analects, Book 17: Yang Huo)
The second meaning of Xin (Trustworthiness) is to believe or trust. For example: “At first, in my dealings with others, I listened to their words and believed in their actions; now, in my dealings with others, I listen to their words and observe their actions.” (The Analects, Book V: Gongye Chang)
Confucius believed that the people’s trust is the foundation of a state; once the populace loses confidence in the government, the state can achieve nothing. “Zi Gong (a wealthy merchant and eloquent disciple) asked about governance. The Master said: ‘Sufficient food, sufficient military, and the people’s trust.’ Zi Gong said: ‘If forced to give up one of these three, which should go first?’ Confucius replied: ‘Set aside the military.’ Zi Gong said: ‘If forced to give up one of the remaining two, which should go first?’ Confucius replied: ‘Set aside the food. Death has always come to all, but without trust, the people cannot stand.’” (The Analects, Book Twelve, Chapter Seven)