Thursday, October 9, 2014

Confucius – The Analects

                                                            Confucius – The Analects
                                                            Ca. 479-221 B.C.E.

            “The Analects of Confucius” became even more prominent after his death. Confucius’ teachings recorded in “The Analects” were philosophies and values that still are idealized today in China. Confucius attempted to map out a path for achieving man’s destined superior role.  “The Analects” was mentioned by many philosophers, such as Yu and Tsang in this excerpt.
            Yu commentary showed an interesting character of the Superior Man as he categorized that they are models for the tradition, a higher stage of human development.  Tsze-Hsia mentioned involvement into loyalty and devotion. Chi K’ang questioned how to persuade people to be faithful to their ruler.  Confucius responded that the usage of love and respect cultivate forms of goodness.  Confucius reiterated that frequent themes consider righteousness by showing respect to others continually and doing the right things would contribute the principle of goodness and sincerity.  When Chung-kung asks Confucius about government, Confucius put emphasis that the ruler’s governance should consist of the principle of goodness, without using external action. Throughout the excerpt, Confucius reiterated that sincerity would be shown on the outside if given on the inside.  

            Finally, this excerpt teaches us Confucius’ standards for conduct in society that focused on the idea what is a “superior man or proper man.”   This fellow man respects elders and his subordinates.   He wants brotherhood and believes these qualities would make a better society.   Futhermore, Confucius made it seem like man would die without regrets if he acted on goodness, a positive quality of humans.

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