Analects

“The Analects Part 1: As you read the Analects, write down the maxims you find in the chart below. Then give a possible interpretation of its moral lesson”. In one column, list maxims that are primarily concerned with individual behavior. In the second, list those that involve relationships with others.. Pgs. 437-438 (4.6) Individual Behavior Relationship with Others “To Study without thinking” Means study something you already know or studying something with giving any thought is useless….. “Dont worry if people don’t recognize your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.” This means don’t worry about people seeing your qualities, just be yourself. Just be sure to recognize the other’s qualities of their own personality. 2.1 “He who rules by virtue is like the polestar…while all the other stars revolve respectfully around it.” He is saying that virtue will make the other people around him respect him as a leader and trust in the ruler’s decisions. “Nowadays people think they are dutiful sons when they feed their parents. Yet they also feed their dogs and horses. Unless there is respect, where is the difference?” If you don’t respect your parents and you help put food on the table, that is a given. If you don’t respect your parents then you’re not really helping, your just doing it because you have to. There is no point in doing so. “Approach them with dignity and they will be respectful. Be yourself a good son and father, and they will be loyal. Raise the good and train the incompetent, and they will be zealous.” His behavior or actions will be seen by others. His actions will be what other people will look at and decide whether he is a good leader, and worthy of their loyalty and respect. So if Lord Ji Kang wants the loyalty of his people he needs to be a good father and son, as well raise the good and train those who are weak. “Should it not be reciprocity? What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” This means don’t wish horrible things on other people that you wouldn’t want to have in your life. “Authority without generosity, ceremony without reverence, mourning without grief-these, I cannot bear to contemplate.” This means that he doesn’t like the fact that people say their title, yet they don’t live up to it. “I have never seen a man who truly loved goodness and hated evil. Whoever truly loved goodness and hated evil….” This is saying that he has never seen someone live their daily lives with complete goodness and no evil in it at all. “Do not worry if you are without a position; worry lest you do not deserve a position. Do not worry if you are not famous; worry lest you do not deserve to be famous.” This is saying not to worry about what you are going to do with your life, but worry if you deserve an occupation of any kind that would make you feel satisfied and don’t worry at all about if you are going to become famous, just do something. “Set your heart upon the Way; rely upon moral power; follow goodness; enjoy the arts.” This is saying to try to find your path you will take for life, but while you are searching, use your morals, follow the good in life and enjoy as much things in life as you can. “A gentleman abides by three principles which I am unable to follow…..” This is saying that a true gentleman in his society lives without fear, without thinking before he spoke and without giving up the constant kindness every day. Part II: Answer Questions 1-7 on page 439 below. What do you think? Were the teachings in the Analects surprising in any way? Discuss your thoughts with a classmate. Comprehension Check What kinds of behavior does Confucius talk about in the Analects? What does Confucius mean by the word reciprocity? He means that every person should treat each other mutually, and like he later states; “what you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” Basically treating others the way you want to be treated. What kind of person does Confucius seem to be? He seems to be the kind of person that everyone goes to for advice, Do you think Confucius views human nature in an optimistic or pessimistic way? Explain your opinion? Confucius is very optimistic about human nature Look back at the chart you created in your LiveBinder. Does Confucius seem more concerned with individual behavior or with behavior toward others? He is more concerned about individuals. However he does a lot towards others. Do you agree with all of Confucius’ teachings? Explain your opinion. Yes I think that he has some really good teachings. The reason why is I think that you can be a better person towards yourself and others if you were to follow. 6. Yes, I think that if you are to able to get into the text you will have a better better understanding of the text. You will also be able to connect the readings with today. 7. “Approach them with dignity and they will be respectful. Be yourself a good son and father, and they will be loyal. Raise the good and train the incompetent, and they will be zealous.” The analysis is His behavior or actions will be seen by others. His actions will be what other people will look at and decide whether he is a good leader, and worthy of their loyalty and respect. So if Lord Ji Kang wants the loyalty of his people he needs to be a good father and son, as well raise the good and train those who are weak. I think that it is this one because everyone judges you you now a day. Also now people get into your business. “