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.