Wednesday, March 19th, 2014...4:41 am
The Analects of Confucius
The Analects of Confucius are a collection of passages that introduce the words of Confucius and his disciples. In book I Confucius places a huge importance on the idea of Ren. Ren is defined as goodness or humanity, the idea of putting the needs of others in front of yours. Ren is said to be only obtained by a junzi or an ideally ethical person. Personally I believe a junzi is more of a god like figure that a normal person cannot become. Book II focuses on the role of government, Confucius states that one should not rule by laws and punishment but with de (virtue) and li (ritual). Also an important idea of filial piety is introduced which is the idea that you respect and take care of your parents and elders with true intent and concern. Lead by example not by force and fear. Book III and IV further outlines Confucians ideologies, dao, junzi, de, li and ren tying together all the ideals of Confucianism.
Discussion Question:
Do you think a person can ever have the characteristics of becoming a junzi? Do you think Confucius is using this idea of a junzi to create order?
-Dennis Hong
1 Comment
April 25th, 2014 at 12:20 pm
I agree with Dennis. The junzi is a ideal man and a superior person. It is really hard to become like a junzi. The Analects of Confucius explains some of the characteristics of junzi. A junzi is loyal, obedient and knowledgeable. Also, Junzi does more and speak less. Junzi disciplines himself. As a normal person, we are trying to be a junzi. However, it is impossible to be junzi because it is too unrealistic to be junzi.