Katie Coughenour
Aaron James
Honors World History
19 January 2017
How Confucius Took a Stand in History and is Still Relevant “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest,” said beautifully by the one and only, Confucius himself. I believe that he was one of the wisest, most graceful, and intelligent people to ever live, a true inspiration. Confucius was a Chinese teacher, philosopher, and politician in 5th century BCE. His philosophy emphasized morality, justice, truth, and fidelity of relationships. He was most well-known for his dictums and his models of public communication. Born September 28th 551 BC, Kong Qui, also
Confucius, (551-479 B.C.E.) the Chinese social philosopher was best known for creating one of the
He is known for having been a philosopher, politician and literary figure who wrote the famous texts that are known in English as the Five Classics as well as many other classic Chinese texts. Confucius' ideas have fallen in and out of favour over the course of history, being censored by governments as well as being adopted as official policy by others. What is certain is that few historical figures have had a greater effect upon Chinese culture than him.
During the long era of Chinese Dynasties, three School of Thoughts emerged as philosophers spread their knowledge across the empires. Although each of the three philosophers that founded these School of Thoughts were able to alter the ways of the people’s beliefs, one in particular had ideals that over time, were powerful enough to change the ways of the Chinese culture, and eventually the world. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, focused on spreading his political and ethical views based on how “humans should act in harmony with the universe” ( World History 91), and the effect of this would allow their society to blossom. As word of the practice of Confucianism spread, the Chinese empires began to adapt to new changes that this school of thought taught, and overtime, the government, and lives of the Chinese began to revolve around the Confucian
Confucius and those ancient educators as a representative of extensive and profound Chinese culture, Confucianism is one of the most impressed thoughts in Chinese history and benefits billions of people around the world. “Ren” is the core of Confucianism, which simply knowns as Benevolence that derived from internal cultivation. “Ren” is an abstract notion, but when it exists in reality, it turned out to be something that observable and feasible emotions. There are some analects that related to learning that I read and my impression about it.
The expansion and development on specific civil liberties and rights since the birth of America can be seen as one of the biggest evolutions in the Constitution. The original Constitution and Bill of Rights did not convey anything about equality aside from that all Americans are entitled to due process in court. The word “equality” for instance does not even appear in the Constitution. Thus the topic of equality and civil rights is a grey area that is not clearly defined or understood. Prior to the Civil War, the inequality of African Americans and women for example were easily apparent. African Americans lived as slaves and had no rights at all and were claimed by some in court cases that the Founders believed that blacks had no rights that the government had to honor. While women also suffered many inequalities such as not having the right to vote and some states went so far as to deny them right to own property or submit contracts. The exclusion of civil rights allowed for interpretation and the implementation of unequal policies throughout the states.
One of the oldest philosophies in Chinese history is Confucianism. At the time of the warring states, Confucius wandered throughout China seeking a ruler who accepted the Confucian way. Since then, his ideas grew and are still relevant today. Throughout time other philosophers, Mengzi and Xunzi, have interpreted Confucius’ teachings and have long debated whether human nature is good or bad. I argue that human nature is not, as Mengzi believes, inherently good, instead, completely self-interested.
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
During this period of turmoil, there were several Chinese thinkers who emerged, including Confucius (551-479 BCE) and Master Lao (textbook). Confucius’ teachings stemmed from his belief that human beings behaved ethically because it was their natural way of being (Tignor et al. 164). Confucius had several major areas of focus including reciprocity, humanity, governance, filial piety and education. It is important to note here that Confucius focused on the relationship of man to society. The Analects comprises of a compilation of his basic philosophical teachings assembled by his students sometime after his death (Pollard & Rosenberg 136).
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives Climax My first literary term that I chose for the novel, I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives, is climax. The reason why is because throughout the novel it has many exciting parts. An example of climax, is in the novel the most exciting part was when Caitlin Alf Irena and Martin Ganda finally met each other in person for the first in their lives. The literary term climax is everywhere throughout the novel and makes you want to keep on reading even more.
The Analects, a record of the words, acts and discussions of Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples, has been said to be the “Bible” of the Chinese people. 2000 years on, it is still setting the standards for individual conducts, administration of governments and communities. How has his teachings inspired a way of life that has been so dominant until today? The growth and success of Chinese societies worldwide have bore testament to his teachings. Confucian culture has outperformed others in more ways than one. When people see a correlation between gaining positive results and outcomes, and the practice of his philosophy, the belief grows. As a result of this, people continue to believe and attempt to live by his philosophies, in the hope of attaining the same success.
Mencius was an official of the government and saw no harmony between the hierarchal feudal Kingdom and independent feudal states(). Because of this, similar to Confucius, Mencius was concerned and offered his services to teach Confucianism to the Government leaders(). Mencius’s views human’s nature without Confucianism is none human. As can be seen in Mencius words “one who lacks a mind that feels pity and compassion would not be human; one who lacks a mind that feels shame and aversion would not be human; one who lacks a mind that feels modesty and compliance would not be human; and one who lacks a mind that knows right and wrong would not be human.” Mencius elaborates that when the mind understands the ideal reality of Confucianism is the beginning of Humanness(). Furthermore, Mencius notes the four Confucianism’s limbs of pity and compassion, shame and aversion, modesty and compliance, knowing right and wrong. With these four principles in mind, Mencius bestow to all his students that anyone who uphold these ideals are capable of fulfilling leadership humanness qualities such as the ancient Kings had commiserated during their
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
The biggest and latest achievement in the neuroscience field is the identification of place and grid cells. An achievement so important, that the Nobel Prize has been awarded to three researchers, who have had a tremendous impact on the discovery and understanding of both place and grid cells. Place cells and grid cells both have different functions that cooperate together to make life for animals and humans easy and livable. Place cells simplified down are used to remember certain location in environments, while grid cells are help navigate between those locations. The research itself relied on the testing of rats, of course, but place and grid cells have been found on other mammals, including humans.
Confucianism was orchestrated and created by Master Kong who was later named Confucius by missionaries from Jesuit when visiting China. Nevertheless, the basic principles of Confucianism preceded his birth during the Zhan Empire. During that time, the concepts of respect and the considerations for others flourished but there was as well emphasis given to spiritual concerns- specifically, the divine’s goodness and supremacy. Such concepts focused on uniting the people, establishing stability and monitoring rebellion against existing authorities.
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.