Zhongyong (golden mean) was considered to be the highest level of virtue by

Confucius and Confucian scholars. Zhong (中) means moderate in one's words

and deeds. Everything has its limits, and neither exceeding nor falling short of

the limits is desirable. Yong (庸) has two meanings. One is common or ordinary

and the other is unchanging. Moderation can be maintained for over a long

time only when one practices it in everyday life. Zhongyong means the standard

of moderation that one should follow in dealing with others and in one's

everyday conduct.