Abstract: This paper，from the perspectives of the elitist′s pursuit of value and the construction of gentleman′s personality，studies the development of ritual culture and the formation of gentleman′s personality in ancient Scholar-Bureaucrats，analyzes the basic meanings of elitist and the view of elitist cultivation in Confucianism，and discusses the internal elements in gentleman′s personality as well as the essential qualities required for a gentleman. As an important part of the traditional culture，the ritual theory has exerted great influence on forming the mentality of the ancient Scholar Bureaucrats. Confucianism has realized its pursuit of value mainly through the cultivation of the ritual spirit in Scholar Bureaucrats，namely，the social value of “external kings” is rooted in the cultivation of “internal saints”. From this perspective，the spirit of ritual theory is the main approach to the cultivation of ancient elites in culture and politics.

Key words: the spirit of ritual theory, construction of personality, gentleman′s personality, Confucianism, ethics