Professor Yu Dan's Confucius From The Heart

In chapter 4 Confucius criticizes many different kinds of behavior which according to him these were necessary in order to be a true gentleman. Confucius criticized those who were disrespectful to the elders because by doing that it breaks the four great human relationships which are husband-wife, child-parent, minister-lord, and friend-friend (Confucius 4.8). These relationships were very important to Confucius because he argued that in order for someone to learn something, one must master these relationships firsts, I completely agree with this because in order for us to learn something and be able to put it in practice successfully, we must be able to interact with people first, otherwise it would be very difficult to express our knowledge to others.

Confucian culture, also known as Confucianism, was founded by Confucius during the Spring and Autumn Period, which was developed gradually after the Han Dynasty with benevolence as the core. Since the Han Dynasty, Confucianism was the official ideology and the basis of mainstream ideology in the vast majority of historical periods of China, and it also influenced many southeast Asian countries in history. After a variety of shocks, Confucianism was still the core values of China's social public, and represented the Chinese culture and national tradition in the world (Littlejohn, 2010). In the contemporary society, the Confucian culture in China increasingly spread, at the

The term “Confucianism” is often regarded as a complex mechanism of social, political, moral as well as religious beliefs that have considerable influence especially upon the civilizations belonging to the East Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea along with Singapore and Vietnam. With reference to the observation made by Reid (1999), it can be viewed that a clear depiction about different principles and beliefs exists within the sphere of “Confucianism”. Therefore, the major purpose of this report is to briefly review of T. R. Reid’s book “Confucius Lives Next Door: What Leaving In The East Teaches Us About Living In the West” through concisely unfolding the experience of

One thing the reader should pay close attention to is the times of social and political unrest in China during Confucius’s life. There were many wars and changes in government and in dynasty’s throughout his life. He was often confused and torn by how society always seemed to go to war and violence as the solution to their problems and unrest. It is amazing that he was able to develop his concepts and philosophies of education and in life during such turmoil in society. That is one thing the reader should pay close attention to. Another thing the reader should look out for is the journey Confucius took across China. His hoped to learn more about other countries traditions, cultures, governments, and ways of life through his travels. Even though

     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.

The book “Confucius Lives Next Door” is a remarkable read for everyone but, in particular I felt it to be one for my generation I believe this book should speak to us on an academic and a moral level. There were points in this book where my brief study of Confucianism made me have little connections and a better understanding throughout the book, it felt good to have little “aha!” moments. The majority of my generation could certainly put the teachings of Confucius to use particularly the Confucian ideals of respect, responsibility and group unity.

Confucius Lives Next Door by T. R. Reid is about his family of five, who moved from Colorado to Tokyo in the 1900s. During this time Tokyo was going through an economic stagnation. Not long after arriving Reid and his family found themselves “smack in the middle of a fundamental shift in world history—a basic realignment of global stature and political power that will change the way the world has worked for the past five hundred years o so. To use the phrase we heard time and again, we found ourselves in the Asian century"(Reid 5-6). Reid ues examples of crime rates, drug use, family, education, and equality of wealth to come to the conclusion that asian modern industrial society is the best in the world. A society he believes to be the result of confucian teachings.

The Anlects serve as a giude bok to life and this chapter there is a big impact on Education and learning. confucius says, “Devote yourself to the Way,depend on Integrity, rely on Humanity, and wander in the arts.” (Anlects 68). This quote is connect to other quote confucius says, “culture, conduct, loyalty, and standing by your words.” (Anlects73) These two quotes from chapter 7 connects with each other because they both represent the founding morals to being a good person. The quotes highlights devotion to the was more than the second quote but, they both have the same message to have Integrity or standing by your words, humanity or conduct and arts or culture. These two qoutes corolated to this qoute, Confucious say, “Intgertiy never alone.It

Availability and understanding of available information by an individual was taken as a very important treasure. The issues that Confucius taught to be followed were not entirely scientific learning but rather the study of the consecrated contents and the tenets of good worth and propriety (Oliver, 1985). An additional element which he held high was the control of proper example. The heroes, heroines and great people that existed were greatly exemplified by Confucius. Confucius did this by persisting on the scrutiny of the conservative models. Many of his well recorded aphorisms are tributes of his considered men of high caliber. Confucius trained his supporters the significance of constantly welcoming the rectification of personal liabilities. To further assist in the creation of an upright moral fiber, he cherished a particular amount of strength of will. He acknowledged the threat, particularly in the youthful, of falling into unwanted behavior, so he persisted on eradicating the push for uncalled for reassurances (Ferguson, 1972).

Through every experience and adventure you partake in you almost always have a story to tell about it. That’s exactly what the author T.R Reid did in this book Confucius Lives Next Door. It depicts his transition for his job at Washington Post from a small town in Colorado to the immensely populated Tokyo, Japan. The book is separated into eight chapters; The Other Miracle, Eastern Flavor, Pine Tree by the Rice Paddy, The Master King, Yodobashi No.6, Continuing Education, The secret Weapon, Too Much Freedom each telling a certain part of the story as it happens each chapter depicting a different concept. The topics of this book vary from food to education each stating their differences from America. While this book is written in 1990 I believe their traditions and values still hold true to this day.

Confucianism is regarded as one of the primary religions that have profoundly influenced Chinese beliefs and ideologies. While Kongzi, or Confucius, is the founder of Confucianism, he is not the only philosopher who has contributed to such a significant impact on China. Similarly, the Analects of Confucius is not the single text that represents Confucianism. In fact, during different time periods throughout the history, there are a number of eminent representatives of Confucian thoughts, such as Mengzi and Xunzi. Because Confucianism aims at eliminating chaos and maintaining order in a harmonious society , they all agree that the guidance and education of virtuous Confucian pioneers are of extreme importance to achieve this

The main point of this quote deals with the use of proper terms. Confucius explains that calling things by their names, and knowing their definitions, is the first step in upholding a better society. A causal relationship or chain effect, that would lead to a break in social propriety is established by him. Therefore, if someone does not know his definitions then statements do not accord with facts. Then a chain reaction starts where the society is no longer just and a corrupt government. So, a wise man will “on no account have anything remiss in his in his definitions.”

Confucius, a famous Chinese teacher said, “Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” In the previous quote by Confucius, it is obvious that a teacher can impact a student’s life. Moreover (TRANS), the way a teacher generates hope and confidence provide a good equity at school for the students; therefore, a good teacher spread confidence in students, which may help them to be encouraged. Maintaining the right balance of strictness and friendliness, encouraging students, and finding the right teaching methods for each student are three of the many characteristics in becoming an inspirational teacher.

What really caught my eye about chapter three was Confucius the Chinese thinker, who was born in 551 B.C. Confucius' social philosophy was majorly based on the proposition of "ren" or "loving others" while still enforcing self-discipline. He once said "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." By saying this he is implying that you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Confucius inforcd kindness and respect for others. Following through with his beliefs on self discipline he believe that as a leader he should exercise self- discipline in order to stay unpretentious to his advocates with kindness. A leader could influence their patrons to obey the law by showing them goodness and the coming together of

Confucius believed in learning and knowledge, that they must be practical and transform life for the better. He believed that if one wanted to help someone that they must first establish one’s own human character. He believed that once a person had a character that contained nothing contrary to humanity, they could then rely on that in all their actions. He also believed that if a person lived through humanistic thinking and acting they would make the “way” (Tao) great. He had a great belief that I strongly agree with. He believed that humans are not always good but can become better, which he believed would come from learning and helping others. He thought that anyone can acquire wisdom as long as they were determined. He believed that once people worked together that things would flourish and nourish one another without conflict or injury. Confucius put together a principle that explains how reciprocity applies to humans by saying, “Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you” (Moore-Bruder, 2008).