Abstract: “Self” in Confucius is not only a follower but also an issuer of courtesy.According to Kant’s term in ethics,self in Confucius means to set the law for them.However,due to the fact that Kant denied the intuition of intellect,the concept of “set the law for themselves” can not be realized.While scholars on Confucius actualize this notion by their recognition of the fact that human’s heart is competent and potential in understanding.Thereby,respecting ourselves is a process of perfecting our morality in a dynamic and creative way.This also distinguished the self in Confucius from the self in liberty and Kant’s ethics.

Key words: courtesy, Confucius, self, morality