Confucius Argument Essay

Confucius’ high emphasis on morality instead of profit was one of his major political ideals that he tried to persuade the the rulers of the kingdoms to pursue. However, his failure to convince any of those rulers reflected the prevalent pragmatic political culture at that period. After all, the kingdoms were at war with each other so that Confucius’ idea was inevitably less popular than those battle-winning strategies in favor of “profit.”

Secondly, Confucius viewed rules and laws as harmful. He argued that people led by laws and punishments will try to avoid punishment but lose the sense of shame. If they are led by virtue and guided by propriety, they will preserve their sense of shame and become good citizens5. He saw a country as an extended family and a ruler should take care of his citizens like a father would take care of his children. The ruler as the “father” would need to set a proper example for the right ethics to flow down5.

Confucius suggested that if the people were to be led by virtue and laws of propriety, they would become morally inclined to be lawful citizens, rather than being punished into submission and overwhelmed by strict laws (Confucius 11). Nonetheless, citizens were encouraged to obey the laws in place to prevent the government from establishing disciplinary measures. Confucius told the people to place their confidence in their leaders and their government because without their support the government could not succeed in providing for the people. Confucianism also encouraged the consideration of all men as quality individuals, rather than just those of noble heritage. This concept opened a new world of opportunity for those men of humbler birth

     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.

His thinking was that strong families will make strong communities which will make a strong government. Confucius believed that if the Emperor lived morally so will the people. If the Emperor didn’t show respect to his elders, then what will his followers do? Confucius saw the Emperor as the father to the whole country. Confucius says, “If you desire what is good, the people will be good. The moral power of the gentleman is wind, the moral power of the common man is grass. Under the wind, the grass must bend. (777)’. The gentleman was a man who had perfected being a superior man and Confucius believed all men should strive to become a gentleman. Confucius saw Filal piety associated with a state of mind that people knew who they were and where their place was in life and respected one another accordingly. This action he believed brought order and stability to the people. Confucius saw Filal piety in the way the Duke of the Zhou declared himself regent to his nephew, and while most thought he was trying get the throne. He only wanted to make sure the neighboring Lords did not take advantage of the young King. This is a great example of Filal piety. The Duke of Zhou cared for his nephew the way he should. In this behavior you can see that the duke of Zhou had the teaching of Filal piety instilled him. Confucius says, “When the father is alive, watch the son’s actions. If three years later, the son has not veered from the father’s way, he may be called a

Is being a philosopher pointless? The human life is so limited, why waste your time questioning the world. A philosopher a just person, but they decide to question society, people’s motives, and even the fundamental question of what is the point to existence. Something about philosophy draws these people into dedicating their lives to answer these questions. So many great philosophers have lived throughout history, but if they are so great, then why can’t they agree? Have they simply been wasting their time? Mustn’t there be a right and wrong, a proper way to live good life? If two great philosophers dedicate their lives to finding truth, but arrive at different answers, then does that mean one must be wrong? Perhaps they are both are wrong,

Confucius (551-479BC) was a Chinese teacher, politician and philosopher; he has lived and worked during the Chinese Spring and Autumn Period (770-481 BC). Confucius father Kong He was an officer in the Lu military. Kong He died when Confucius was three years old and later his mother Yan Zhengzai raised Confucius in poverty. Confucius is the most influential Chinese philosopher, who’s teaching had a great effect and spread out in the Chinese life and culture for well over two thousand years, and has greatly influenced a substantial portion of the world's population.

His focus is on the developing of an organized society, he uses religious beliefs and a political system. His other focus is on teaching the youth and gentleman the wisdom and selflessness with rituals and music, while establishing an honest character. In our text book it explains the significant aspects of what Confucius thinks. The focus on the Li which “a sense of propriety, which called for individuals to behave in conventionally appropriate fashion.”(Traditions

Confucius thought that by following the traditions valued by the very first kings of the Zhou Dynasty, once again there would be order in society. He thought that the best way to live was to be tolerant of others and to have self-discipline. The “gentleman,” Confucius’s ideal man, was educated, loyal, and fair, concerned about other people, and had integrity and good manners. According to his followers, Confucius said, “Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you.” He thought another way to keep order in society was to have defined roles for people. Some people were superior to other people: rulers were superior to subjects, fathers were superior to sons, husbands were superior to wives, and so forth. He believed it was important

Similarly, Confucius thought that the ruler would only be a convincing one to his civilians if he possessed integrity and high moral standards. He discussed the importance of virtue for a ruler using a simile: a moral ruler would naturally attract support form civilians, like the north pole star would have all the stars turn towards it. In his view, a ruler without morality would never win over the people, no matter how outstanding he could be in other aspects. The concept of benevolence and gentle behaviour had permeated into every corner of the society and even men at the top of the social pyramid were constrained by it. Mercifulness was the most valuable quality expected of a ruler and for ordinary people ‘a true gentleman’ was the highest praise one could get. As a result, corruption had rarely existed since Confucianism became popular, which is seen as Confucius’ greatest contribution to

What is the solution? A revolution of the middle class? Yes, but the middle class intelligentsia would be too cowardly to go forth with it. They think they have a lot to lose. They have their social status and mortgage to worry about. I can’t blame them; most of them have worked hard for it.

Confucius created a system of thinking called Confucianism. If only one word could be used to summarize the Chinese way of life for the last two thousand years, that word would be Confucian. No other person has had as great an effect on the life and thought of the Chinese people as Confucius. He is the most adored person in Chinese history. Confucius claimed no greatness, instead he looked to a past time that he saw as the golden age. He told one of his disciples, "I transmit but I do not create. I am sincerely fond of the ancient. I would compare myself to Old P'eng who was fond of talking about the good old days." Confucius was a transmitter of the wisdom of the past. From his study of Chinese tradition, he gathered the

Confucius was a researcher who served in government positions. He realized that the legislature was doing as well as could be expected, on the other hand, he likewise realized that war was among them. Consequently, Confucius was resolved to locate an illuminated ruler. He had confidence in family and that family was the establishment of a moral society. "Confucius set up any of the real rules for Chinese thought and activity: regard for the declarations of researchers, duty to expansive instruction, and preparing for all who were exceedingly astute and willing to work." (pg. 164) Due to Confucius being solid willed, he put forward new ethics focusing on ceremonies, obligation and dedication to family and the ideal of good character. Confucianism was

Confucius faced a lot of troubles during his time, mainly from his unpopularity with the feudal leaders of China – way back when China was still divided by states. Although Confucius is considered to be the greatest teachers today, he considered himself a failure since he never attained a significant role in the government or be an adviser to a leader who would listen to him in his life time. Confucius would never know how his ideology greatly influenced a lot of people, and systems – not only in China, but to several parts of the world, as well.

was the education for China for 2,000 years. Confucius had few simple morals, to honor one?s parents and