Ren
Ren Erin Gill (born 29 March 1990), known professionally as Ren, is a Welsh singer-songwriter, rapper, musician, and producer recognized for his raw, introspective lyrics that candidly explore chronic illness, mental health struggles, and personal resilience.[1][2][3] Born in Bangor, Gwynedd, and raised in rural Anglesey, Ren self-taught guitar and piano before forming the band The Big Push in his youth and later pursuing independent artistry after a period of debilitating health issues.[4][5] His career gained viral traction through self-released tracks like the 2022 single "Hi Ren," a dialogue-style song depicting his battles with Lyme disease—initially misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome and bipolar disorder—and subsequent autoimmune complications requiring a stem cell transplant, which amassed over 61 million YouTube views and resonated widely for its unfiltered portrayal of medical system failures and psychological torment.[6][7][8] In 2023, his debut album Sick Boi debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking a rare independent success amid ongoing health challenges including Addison's disease, and solidifying his reputation for transforming profound adversity into cathartic, genre-blending music that blends rap, folk, and theater.[7][9][10]Philosophy and religion
Ren in Confucianism
Ren (仁), the foundational virtue in Confucianism, refers to benevolence or humaneness, embodying the comprehensive moral excellence that defines the junzi (exemplary person) through altruistic empathy, reciprocity, and relational harmony. It prioritizes loving others as an extension of self-cultivation, distinguishing humans from mere animals by fostering innate moral potential in social bonds. Confucius positioned ren as the highest good, integral to personal rectification and societal order, without which other virtues like righteousness (yi) or propriety (li) lack substance.[11][12] Etymologically, the character 仁 derives from the combination of 人 (person) and 二 (two), symbolizing the relational essence between individuals, evolving from pre-Confucian connotations in texts like the Book of Odes and Book of Documents—where it denoted general humaneness or martial bearing—into Confucius's elevated moral ideal of internalized compassion. In early usages around the 11th–6th centuries BCE, ren appeared sporadically as humane governance or personal demeanor, but Confucius (551–479 BCE) systematized it as the "one thread" binding all conduct, achievable through self-mastery and extension of familial affection outward.[13] The Analects, compiled from sayings attributed to Confucius and his disciples circa 475–221 BCE, extensively elaborate ren's practice: it demands "overcoming the self and complying with the rites" (12.1), reciprocity (shu) as "what you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others" (15.24), and begins with filial piety toward parents and elders (1.2). Confucius taught that ren is not innate perfection but cultivated via reflection, ritual observance, and courageous benevolence, as in aiding the distressed without expectation (6.30). Failure to embody ren renders one inhumane, yet its realization enables governance by virtue alone, drawing people through moral example rather than coercion.[14][12] Ren integrates with Confucianism's cardinal virtues—the Five Constants (wuchang): ren as the root of benevolence, complemented by yi (righteousness), li (propriety), zhi (wisdom), and xin (trustworthiness)—where ren provides the empathetic core, while li externalizes it in social norms. Mencius (372–289 BCE), a key successor, developed ren as an innate "sprout" of the heart, biologically grounded in commiseration, expandable through education to universal love graded by proximity (e.g., greater for kin). This relational hierarchy counters undifferentiated altruism, emphasizing differential care to prevent moral exhaustion.[13][15] Historically, ren influenced imperial ethics, as in the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) codification of Confucianism, where rulers invoked it for humane administration, though dilutions occurred under Legalist influences prioritizing punishment over virtue. Modern interpretations, drawing from primary texts, reaffirm ren's causality in ethical realism: moral actions stem from internal disposition, not external imposition, yielding verifiable social stability when practiced.[16]Other religious and ethical concepts
In Mohist philosophy, ren (benevolence) is conceptualized as impartial concern for the welfare of all, integrated into a consequentialist ethical framework that prioritizes promoting benefits like social order, population increase, and material prosperity while eliminating harms.[17] Mohists equate ren with "universal love" (jian ai), advocating equal care without discrimination based on kinship or status, as actions are deemed righteous (yi) insofar as they yield net positive outcomes for the collective, critiquing Confucian rituals as secondary to these practical ends.[17] This approach derives from Heaven's will as an objective standard, with primary texts like the Mozi defining the benevolent person's task as "diligently seek[ing] to promote the benefit of the world and eliminate harm to the world."[17] Legalist thinkers, in contrast, largely dismiss ren as an unreliable basis for statecraft, arguing that human nature is self-interested and that benevolence alone cannot ensure compliance or stability.[18] Figures like Han Feizi contended that emphasizing ren and righteousness (ren yi) fosters disorder by undermining the efficacy of laws, rewards, and punishments, which Legalists prioritize as causal mechanisms for governance; for instance, they viewed Confucian-style benevolence as a luxury viable only after power (shi) and authority (wei) are firmly established through coercive methods.[18] In Daoist texts, ren appears but is de-emphasized or transcended, with benevolence emerging naturally from alignment with the Dao rather than intentional moral cultivation, as deliberate pursuit of virtues like ren risks artificiality and contrivance.[19] The Zhuangzi, for example, portrays the Daoist sage as operating beyond conventional ethics, where spontaneous compassion supplants structured benevolence, critiquing Confucian ren as a form of meddlesome interference that disrupts natural harmony.[19] This reflects a broader Daoist preference for ci (natural affection) over graded or ritualized humaneness.Personal names
Given names
Ren serves as a unisex given name primarily in East Asian cultures, with distinct etymological roots and connotations depending on the linguistic context.[20][21] In Chinese, Ren derives from the character 仁 (rén), signifying "benevolence," "humaneness," "kindness," or "virtue," which embodies a foundational principle in Confucian philosophy emphasizing moral goodness and interpersonal harmony.[21][22] This usage appears in standalone given names or as part of compounds, reflecting aspirations for ethical character, though it is less common as a single-character name compared to its frequent role as a surname via 任 (rèn).[21] In Japanese, Ren is more prevalent as a given name, often written with kanji such as 蓮 (ren, "lotus"), symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Buddhist tradition; 恋 (ren, "romantic love" or "affection"); or other variants like 怜 (ren, "wise" or "clever").[20][23] It is typically masculine but can be unisex, gaining popularity in Japan during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the lotus form evoking resilience as the flower rises clean from muddy waters.[24][23] Beyond East Asia, Ren has minor usage in Western contexts, often as a short form of names like Lorenzo or Renée, or adopted for its phonetic simplicity and cross-cultural appeal, entering U.S. baby name charts with a peak ranking of 1177 for boys in 2023, concentrated in states like California and Texas.[25][26] Its global incidence as a forename shows highest density in countries with East Asian diasporas, such as Canada and Australia, per distribution data from 2014 onward.[27]Surnames
Ren (Chinese: 任; pinyin: Rén) is a common Chinese surname derived from the character 任, meaning "to appoint," "to trust," or "to bear responsibility."[28] The surname's origins trace to the ancient state of Ren, located in present-day Renxian County, Hebei Province, which was granted to Yu Yang, identified in historical records as a son or grandson of the legendary Yellow Emperor (Huang Di).[29] Another tradition associates it with a fiefdom in Shandong Province during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BCE).[30] It is also linked to one of the twelve foundational surnames conferred by the Yellow Emperor and derived from the Feng clan, connected to feudal lords in ancient texts such as the Zuo Zhuan.[31] In mainland China, Ren ranks as the 58th most prevalent surname among the Han ethnic majority, with an estimated population of around 537,000 bearers as of recent genealogical surveys, though broader databases report up to 5.8 million individuals worldwide, predominantly in China.[31][32] Emigration patterns over the past 400 years have concentrated from Guangdong and Fujian provinces, leading to significant populations in overseas Chinese diaspora communities in the United States, Canada, Singapore, and elsewhere.[28] Less frequently, Ren transliterates the character 仁 (rén), denoting "benevolence" or "humaneness," but this form is rare as a surname and lacks extensive historical attestation.[28] Outside Chinese contexts, Ren appears as a variant of European surnames, such as an anglicized form of Wren (English), Renn (German), or a Swedish soldier's name from ren meaning "reindeer," though these are distinct in etymology and incidence.[29]Places and geography
Settlements and administrative divisions
Renze District (任泽区; Rènzé Qū), formerly Ren County (任县; Rèn Xiàn), is an administrative division under the jurisdiction of Xingtai City in southern Hebei Province, China. Located in the northeast of Xingtai, it spans 431 square kilometers with a population of approximately 300,000 residents. Its seat is Rencheng Town, and it includes sub-divisions such as Datun Township and Xindian Town. The district's postal code is 055150.[33][34] Ren'ai District (仁愛區; Rén'ài Qū) constitutes the smallest administrative district within Keelung City, Taiwan, characterized by dense commercial activity and urban bustle despite its compact size. It features markets like Ren'ai Market and historical sites such as Dianji Temple, serving as a key residential and trade hub in the port city.[35] Smaller settlements named Ren exist globally, including three in Sweden (primarily in Jämtland and Gävleborg counties), two in Russia (in Kaluga Oblast and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug), and single instances in North Carolina, USA; Sindh Province, Pakistan; Noord-Brabant, Netherlands; and Rajasthan, India. These are typically rural or minor locales, with no major urban centers among them.[36]Buildings and landmarks
The Renaissance Center (commonly known as the RenCen) in Detroit, Michigan, comprises seven interconnected skyscrapers and stands as a defining landmark of the city's skyline. Developed by a consortium led by Henry Ford II through the nonprofit Detroit Renaissance organization, construction began in 1973 and the complex opened in 1977 as the world's tallest commercial building at the time, aimed at economic revitalization amid urban decline. The central tower reaches 218 meters (727 feet) with 73 floors, housing offices, a hotel, and public spaces, while the overall structure spans 1.46 million square meters (15.7 million square feet) and connects via skybridges. General Motors has used it as its world headquarters since 1996, though plans announced in November 2024 outline a relocation to another site upon completion, potentially reshaping its future role.[37][38] The REN Building, a proposed structure for the Shanghai World Expo 2010 site, was designed by Danish firms BIG and JDS Architects to form the shape of the Chinese character 人 (rén, meaning "person" or "people"). Intended as an iconic landmark akin to the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing human-centric urbanism, the 250-meter-tall mixed-use tower would have integrated residential, office, and public functions but remained unbuilt following the competition phase in 2007.[39][40] In Seattle, Washington, the REN is a 26-story residential high-rise completed in 2022 at the intersection of Denny Way, Fairview Avenue, and Virginia Street, featuring twisted floor plates for optimized views and sustainability. Recognized with a 2023 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Award of Excellence in the Americas region for best tall building, it includes 369 units and ground-level retail but functions primarily as contemporary housing rather than a historical landmark.[41][42]Science, technology, and medicine
Biological and physiological terms
In Latin, ren (plural renes) denotes the kidney, serving as the etymological root for medical terms such as "renal," which pertains to kidney-related anatomy, physiology, and pathology.[43][44] This nomenclature underscores the kidney's role as a bean-shaped organ pair in the retroperitoneal space, filtering approximately 180 liters of blood daily to produce 1-2 liters of urine, regulating electrolyte balance, and maintaining acid-base homeostasis through processes like glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion.[45] The REN gene, located on chromosome 2q35 in humans, encodes preprorenin, the precursor to renin—an aspartic protease enzyme primarily synthesized and secreted by juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney's afferent arterioles.[46][47] Renin initiates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by cleaving angiotensinogen into angiotensin I, thereby influencing vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and blood pressure control; plasma renin activity levels are measured clinically to assess hypertension and hypovolemia, with normal ranges varying by posture and sodium intake (e.g., 0.2-2.3 ng/mL/hour supine).[48][49] Pathogenic variants in REN disrupt renin processing or function, causing autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD-REN), characterized by progressive chronic kidney disease, hyperuricemia, gout, and anemia, often presenting in adolescence or early adulthood with serum creatinine elevation and eventual end-stage renal disease by age 50 without transplantation.[50] Over 20 mutations, including missense and nonsense types, have been identified, impairing prorenin-to-renin conversion and leading to low plasma renin activity despite salt-wasting defects.[47] These findings highlight REN's causal role in renal physiology, distinct from broader RAAS dysregulation in essential hypertension.Computing, engineering, and acronyms
In computing,ren is an internal command in the Microsoft Windows Command Prompt (CMD) and earlier MS-DOS systems, used to rename one or more files or directories.[51] Introduced with MS-DOS version 1.0 in 1981, it supports basic wildcard patterns such as * for matching any characters in filenames but not in extensions or paths, and requires the source and target to reside on the same drive.[52] The syntax follows ren [drive:][path] oldname newname, where wildcards in the newname replace corresponding parts of the oldname; for example, ren *.txt *.bak renames all .txt files to .bak extensions in the current directory.[53] Unlike Unix-like systems' mv command, ren cannot move files across directories or drives and processes only files in the specified path without recursion unless combined with loops like for /r.[53]
As an acronym, REN commonly denotes Ringer Equivalence Number in telecommunications engineering, a dimensionless unit established by standards bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States to quantify the maximum number of compatible telephone devices that can share a single line without exceeding ringer impedance limits, typically set at 5 REN per line to prevent overload.[54] This measure, rooted in Bell System specifications from the 1970s, ensures line compatibility for analog devices interfacing with central office equipment, with values printed on device labels (e.g., 0.1 REN for low-load fax machines).[55]
In software and systems engineering, REN abbreviates Requirements Engineering, a discipline involving the elicitation, analysis, specification, validation, and management of stakeholder needs for complex projects, often formalized in frameworks like IEEE 830-1998 for software requirements.[56] This usage appears in professional contexts such as systems development methodologies, distinct from broader project management but critical for traceability and verification in engineering lifecycles.[57] Less frequently, REN refers to Research and Education Network in computing infrastructure, describing high-speed academic networks like those interconnecting universities for data-intensive research since the 1990s.[58]
Arts, media, and entertainment
Musicians and performers
Ren Eryn Gill (born 29 March 1990), known professionally as Ren, is a Welsh singer-songwriter, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and director whose work frequently addresses personal experiences with chronic illness and mental health challenges.[1][59] Raised in the rural village of Dwyran on Anglesey, Ren self-taught guitar and piano before forming the indie hip-hop group Trick the Fox in his youth.[60] Ren achieved viral success as an independent artist with the self-released track "Hi Ren" on 15 December 2022, a nine-minute performance piece that has exceeded 60 million views on YouTube and portrays an internal dialogue between the artist's conscious and depressive alter ego.[6][61][62] This led to his debut studio album Sick Boi, released independently on 13 October 2023 via The Other Songs, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart despite limited traditional promotion.[63][9] The album features tracks like "Money Game, Pt. 3" and "Animal Flow," blending rap, acoustic elements, and spoken-word poetry to critique societal issues and personal resilience.[64] Ren's raw, narrative-driven style has drawn comparisons to beat poetry and conscious hip-hop, earning praise for its emotional depth amid his ongoing health struggles, including Lyme disease contracted during travels in Southeast Asia.[3] He performs live with loop pedals and maintains creative control through platforms like Bandcamp and YouTube, amassing millions of followers without major label backing as of 2025.Other creative works
Ren: The Girl with the Mark is an independent fantasy web series that debuted on March 1, 2016, centering on 17-year-old Ren, who is marked by an ancient spirit during a market encounter with soldiers, compelling her exile and quest across a medieval-inspired world.[65] Created and directed by Kate Madison, the series stars Sophie Skelton as Ren and features episodes distributed via YouTube, with Season 1 comprising 10 parts and Season 2 resuming in 2024.[66][67] In literature, Ren: Awakened (2016) by Brittany Quagan is a young adult novel depicting protagonist Ren Nagel, a 17-year-old confined to a psychiatric facility after witnessing paranormal events dismissed as hallucinations by authorities.[68] The story explores themes of perception and isolation, with Ren unlocking latent abilities amid skepticism from her surroundings. Ren's Pencil (2023) by Michiko Uranishi, illustrated by Huy Gen, is a children's picture book published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, following a girl named Ren who copes with immigration to a new country by drawing memories of her grandmother's stories, fostering cultural adaptation through art.[69] Within the Star Wars expanded universe, Ren designates a human male Force-sensitive antagonist and leader of the Knights of Ren, prominently featured in Marvel Comics' The Rise of Kylo Ren miniseries (December 2019–March 2020), written by Charles Soule with art by Will Sliney, where he influences young Ben Solo's turn toward the dark side.[70][71] This iteration of Ren operates during the post-Imperial era, wielding a red lightsaber and embodying the group's anarchic ethos.[72]Other uses
Abbreviations and acronyms
- REN: Ringer equivalence number, a telecommunications metric representing the ringer load a telephone device imposes on a subscriber line, with a standard value of 1 for a single traditional telephone.[57][73]
- ren: Rename, a command-line utility in operating systems such as MS-DOS, Windows Command Prompt, and Unix-like shells used to rename files or directories.[57]
- REN: Rede Eléctrica Nacional, the Portuguese national electricity transmission system operator responsible for high-voltage grid management since its privatization in 1997.[57]
- REN: Renewal, a term in UK financial and governmental contexts referring to the extension or continuation of policies, contracts, or protections, as in policy renewal notices.[74]