Confucianism “The gentleman agrees with others without being an echo. The small man echoes without being in agreement.” Analects 15.30 “If one is guided by profits in one’s actions, one will incur much ill will.” Analects 14.24 “Do not worry because you have no position. Worry about your qualifications. Do not worry because no one appreciates your abilities. Seek to be worthy of appreciation. Analects 4.14

Confucius Never kiss a fool, or be fooled by a kiss.

The Life and Legacy of Confucius Born in 551B.C.E. to a noble but poor family. Confucius died in 479 B. C. E. Confucius was an exceptional student who later became a teacher and a government official.

Three Schools of Thought Legalists: Stern rule of law and harsh punishments Mohist: universal love, even towards enemies. Taoist: cared little about societal improvement and believed that the path to human happiness lay in the individualistic pursuit of harmony with nature.

Human Qualities What is maturity? What is the highest human virtue? What is the best way to behave? How can one be a cultured person? How can one best govern?

Confucian Virtues Tao = the Universal Way Chun-tzu = mature person - this person has such abundant virtures that he or she is able to contribute to the improvement of society. Jen = supreme virtue = perfect form of benevolence - doing one’s best to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Li = proper behavior = behaving properly given the situation at hand. Wen = a cultured person. Music, poetry, archery, calligraphy. Te- virtue shown through the power of example.

Human Relationships Self = the center of all relationships and is constantly changing and growing towards maturity. Family = each person has a clear sense of place and purpose. Good behavior and respect for elders are important in the family. Government = the leader has acquired the moral perfectionm needed to lead by the power of example. Heaven = represents the ultimate moral force that guides and nurtures humanity.

Confucius’s Solution Confucius’s solutions centered on human relationships and drew from the sages of ancient times. At the time of his death, Confucius was considered a failure. However, his influence in China and around the world continues to this day.

The Analects of Confucius What the gentleman demands is something of himself. What the petty man demands is something of others. Anyone learning without thought is lost, anyone thinking but not learning is in peril.