Confucius and the perfect gentleman

Over the millennia people have evolved in a way beyond the basics of physical aspects and have reached levels of insight that have spread over many regions, that which are withheld and respected; an example of this is the makings of man. In ancient China, circa B. First off, it must be noted that virtues are what they are in ethics alone, and by their implications, ethics and morals are defined and instituted.

What Confucius Thought by Megaera Lorenz Confucius, since he lived in a war-torn society, was largely concerned with improving government and society.

He was convinced that the problem with government and society was a lack of virtue. A public servant who on confronting danger is prepared to lay down his life, who on confronting gain concentrates on what is right, who when sacrificing concentrates on reverence, who when mourning concentrates on grief should definitely be all right.

Other factors important in being virtuous included self cultivation, filial piety, extensive knowledge of ritual and poetry, humility, and a good grasp on how to conduct oneself when dealing with other people. Confucius also thought that how you go about trying to achieve something is more important than actually achieving it.

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Confucius believed that, because the rulers at his time were not virtuous, they did not please the common people another important requirement for good governmentand incited attacks on themselves from the other warring states. He pointed to the actions of successful historical figures as examples of good and virtuous behavior.

The Advantages of Virtue: If you are virtuous, Confucius argued, people will be attracted to you and, if you are a ruler, your governmentwilling to provide you with help and information, and happily follow orders. One should not be extravagant or self serving.

Self cultivation is done for the betterment of the rest of society. Self Cultivation, Ritual and Education: In Confucian philosophy, ritual was crucial to being a gentleman and running a good government.

By "gentleman," Confucius seems to have meant a person who is virtuous and well educated in ritual. A good knowledge of ritual could only be acquired through study. Other important things to study included music and poetry.

Confucius told his son that if he did not study poetry, he would "have nothing to talk about," and if he did not study ritual, he would "have no way of taking [his] stand" Self cultivation involved not only educating oneself, but also picking up on the good traits in others and imitating them 4: To Confucius, imitation of successful people was a very important aspect of good government thus his emphasis on the learning of history.

However, a combination of knowledge of ritual and of natural virtue was best. Master Kong explained to his pupil Zixia that ritual was secondary to natural virtue, but added the polish to a person that made him a true gentleman 3: Here are some of the basic principals of virtue that Confucius tried to get across to his students: Just strive to be worthy of these things.

Examine your character, correct the bad, and accentuate the good.

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This, like most principles of virtue, applies to both everyday life and government. It will give you a broader perspective on things, give you more to talk about, and help you succeed in your family life and at work. However, mere knowledge of ritual, music, and good conduct amounted to nothing without meaning, proper intent, and sincerity.

As Confucius said, "When one talks repeatedly of ritual, does one really only mean jades and silk? When one talks repeatedly of music, does one really only mean bells and drums?

Confucius firmly believed that good family relationships were the key to reforming society, and thus reforming government. Few indeed are those who are naturally filial towards their parents and dutiful towards their elder brothers but are fond of opposing their superiors; and it never happens that those who do not like opposing their superiors are fond of creating civil disorder.

The gentleman concerns himself with the root; and if the root is firmly planted, the Way grows. Filial piety and fraternal duty--surely they are the roots of humaneness.

He believed that, if people could learn to perform their familial roles properly, they would in turn be able to perform their roles in society and government properly 4: If for three years he makes no change from the ways of his father, he may be called filial.

Filial piety was so important, in fact, that Confucius felt that it should be considered more important than the law. He told the Duke of She that "Fathers cover up for their sons and sons cover up for their fathers.

Uprightness is to be found in this" History as a Guide to Successful Government: Confucius stated that, "If by keeping the old warm one can provide understanding of the new, one is fit to be a teacher" 2: Confucius often taught by pointing to examples of the behaviors of successful and unsuccessful historical figures.

He praised legendary heroes like Bo Yi and Shu Qi 5: Confucius said that successful rulers had been virtuous, and had also benefited the people that they governed 6:Confucius and the Perfect Gentlemen April 2, Carmichael 1 In The Analects, Confucius describes the ideal person or what is otherwise known as the perfect gentleman.

This person in his eye's, is not motivated by gain or by specific political beliefs, but rather what is right in every situation.

Confucius said: 'A gentleman help others to fulfill good, not vice. Confucius said: ' With righteousness as the essence, a gentleman should act according to the rites, express himself with modesty, and achieve it with faithfulness. Confucius himself had little to say on the will of the people, but his leading follower Mencius did state on one occasion that the people's opinion on certain weighty matters should be polled.

The Perfect Gentleman. The term "Jūnzǐ" (君子) is a term crucial to classical Confucianism. Probably the greatest influence on Confucius was the philosophy of the Duke of Chou, whom Confucius described as having "perfect virtue" (, Analects).

The Duke advised his nephew, the Emperor, in proper decorum and virtuous behavior, and did not hesitate to criticize and correct the Emperor's behavior.

Enjoy the best Confucius Quotes at BrainyQuote. Quotations by Confucius, Chinese Philosopher, Born BC. A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words. Confucius. Humility, Foundation, Solid Foundation. To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of.

Confucius and the Perfect Gentlemen April 2, Carmichael 1 In The Analects, Confucius describes the ideal person or what is otherwise known as the perfect gentleman.