Confucius’s counsel and guidance recorded in The Analects instilled wisdom when they were first recorded and continue to provide a thought provoking analysis of life and the checkpoints that guide it. The Master’s commentary on restraint, diligence, decency, and citizenship are well intended and relevant. Politics and the role of government also come under scrutiny as Confucius offers his insights in bettering the organization of power. His proverb-like admonitions use clear examples of everyday life allowing them to be understood and easily digested. Confucius’s own eagerness and willingness to share goodness he experienced makes it easier to apply and practice in one’s own life.
In the author’s book dealing with virtue he makes an astute observation regarding the need for restraint in speech equally joined with a lack of restraint in action. Confucius relates his good judgment in the following statement: “The men of old were reserved in speech out of shame lest they should come short in deed.” (Confucius p. 20) Confucius’s declaration seems to stem from possible past experiences with too much talk and too little action. His declarations lead one to believe that the more traditional and conservative ways tend to pilot one to the ideal standard of life. He reemphasized his point when he said, “The wise man desires to be slow to speak but quick to act.” (Confucius, p. 20) Along with restraint, Confucius discusses the importance of diligence in life and work.
The Essay on Four Nobel Truths Confucius Life Focus
compariLeah Glover 10/ 17/03 His 1 Prof. Xia The Buddhist and Confucius values and the Hindu concept of Dharma Within the Buddhist teachings The Four Nobel Truths and the Eightfold Path, the cause of misery was based upon two main elements. These two elements are suffering and the need to desire. In the Buddhist teachings their focus was to end suffering and desire, and finding peace within ones ...
Similarly to the previous statements Confucius denounces inaction and asserts to be a proponent of a diligent work ethic. His endorsing and bragging of Hui’s in the following statement shows his fondness of this trait. “Ah! Hui was the one to whom I could tell things and who never failed to attend to them.” (Confucius p. 50) Confucius continues to be pleased with the disciples’ vigor and compliments them on their affinity for personal exertion. “Alas! I ever saw him make progress, and never saw him stand still.” (Confucius p.
50) Confucius’s displeasure of idleness is rather apparent in his accolades towards his disciples. Confucius’s complimentary behavior not motivated his disciples but also set forth the example of decency and citizenship within society. “I can try a lawsuit as well as other men, but surely the great thing is to bring about that there be no going to law.” (Confucius p. 70) Confucius stresses not only the importance of bearing down society with avoidable lawsuits, but also that the relationships between neighbors should be above petty differences and disputes. He continues to encourage the importance neighbors by counseling his followers about the perspective in which we view others. “The man of noble mind seeks to achieve the good in others and not their evil.
The little-minded man is the reverse of this.” (Confucius p. 70) The goodwill of which Confucius wishes to implant in his followers is evident in his statements as he encourages optimism and discourages the maligning of a fellow citizen. Confucius not only expects the citizens to be of good character, but also those who lead the government. He illustrates the need for virtuous constituents to be led by virtuous leaders. “If a man put himself aright, what difficulty will he have in the public service; but if he cannot put himself aright, how is he going to put others tight?” (Confucius p. 75) The Master’s point is valid.
Theoretically and ideally the best should lead the rest, however that is obviously not always the case. It is usually the converse in most cases. Continuing his discussions on governments, Confucius is also sure to include his feelings on the topic of war. “When a good man has trained the people for seven years, they might then be fit to bear arms.” (Confucius p.
The Essay on War Brings Out the Good in People
War does not bring negative effects all the time. It does bring out the best in people. This is because during war people start caring more about everyone. The war unites people and makes them more courageous. During war time, people start caring more about everyone’s humanity. When people see, for example, a family in distress due to war, then people would become more hospitable and help them in ...
79) Clearly, he is not a huge fan of quick and impassioned wars. After being taught by virtuous and good men for quite awhile, then possibly a war can be fought. His emphasis in time and virtue indicate his feelings that most wars seem to be fought over frivolous topics and issues. He continues this plea when he states, “To lead an untrained people to war may be called throwing them away.” (Confucius p. 79) The author is not impressed with the lack of value, we may place on human life. His advice seems to go deeper than with just war.
Entering any task without proper education or training is virtually useless and will quite possibly result fruitless. This can be easily applied to war, school, work, or home life. Proper training is vital. The Analects encourage goodness.
They encourage the discovery of human compassion and then, afterwards, the refining of that same spirit. Confucius’s directives draw from the experience of time and a rather detail-oriented eye of observation. Confucius’s writings not only speak of goodness, but themselves act as verification of practice in his own life. His practice and example validate his calls for action, decency, restraint and a virtuous political power.
