Many contemporary cultures place a strong emphasis on a well-rounded education. Each culture has a specific formula for obtaining an intelligent population. In ancient times, many western cultures failed to place an adequate emphasis on education. China differed from many western cultures. China has a long history of emphasizing education. Contemporary Chinese culture stays true to its ancient roots through a Confucian culture reflected in the modern educational system. Chinese cultural history is
Confucius was born in the fifth century B.C.E, and Mencius lived in the fourth century. Both of these times were years of rigid social hierarchy. In this period, society was divided into different classes. There were rules within each class, and the ruler always ruled at the top of the hierarchy. This social hierarchy deeply influenced Confucius and Mencius’s political thoughts. In this paper, I will argue that they both applied their thoughts within the preexisting hierarchy and prescribed the
I will try to simplify (and I may be incurring in error) the difference between Mencius and Xunzi. According to the videos and readings here exposed, the explicit is simple: Mencius sees human nature as intrinsically good, while Xunzi sees it as intrinsically bad. Both agree in the crucial point that, being it good or bad, there is an urging need to cultivate virtue in human nature. If it is good, as in the Mencius' case, it needs to be cultivated in order to not be lost, and I dare to say, in order
The Problem Of Elite Regulation There is a long standing problem in political theory that can be best summed by the Latin phrase “Quis custodiet ipsos custodies?” which roughly translates to “Who will guard the guards themselves?” (Juvenal 347-8). This refers to the idea of any government-like body needing a certain set of rules that dictate how the body can function, thus keeping its members’ supremacy in control. Hence, the problem of elite regulation, in its bare form, is that while a subset
Mencius (Mengzi) and Xunzi were two great early architects of Confucianism. Confucianism is the term used to describe the group of religious traditions that are based on the teachings of Confucius (also known as Kong Qui or K’ung Fu-tzu), a Chinese intellectual who was born in approximately 551 BCE. Little is known of Confucius’ early life. According to Records of the Historian, written by Ssu-ma Chi’en, he was born into a royal family of the Chou Dynasty. Other accounts describe him as being born
existential love that is love with the foundation of filial piety. One loves people who have closer relationship with him more than people who are less related to him. While universal love promotes universality and people should love others equally. Mencius commented on the source of love and agreed that love makes no distinction, but its application must begin with one’s parents (Chan, 1963). This clear states that although both humanity and universal love are about love, their foundations are different
China is a country with a vast cultural and historical background. It is a country with four billon people with extreme cultural diversity, which is nourished by different philosophies of its own. These philosophies are the beginning ideas of Chinese morality and spiritual belief, which were enriched by different intellectual heroes like Confucius. Confucius was born in 551 B.C at the end of the Chou dynasty as a descendent of dispossessed noble family. “His ancestors were of lesser aristocracy
and elder family members is the origin of individual ethical behaviour and social agreement. One must put the needs of parents and family elders over self, spouse, and children (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2011). Many philosophers and rulers such as Mencius and Chu Hsi also focused on filial piety, applying the virtue to marital life, family, death, and politics. Filial piety was demonstrate in various literatures such as “Dream of the Red Chamber”, “Six Records of a Floating Life”, and “The Classic
and conveyed such insightful perspectives in the fields of religion, politics and philosophy; the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life. During Chinas rise to Empire, Chinese Philosophers like Kongfuzi, or Confucius, Mencius, and Han Fei implemented two prestige philosophies Confucianism and Legalism. Although Confucianism and Legalism approaches bare a couple of distinct similarities, the differences between the philosophies are significantly evident. The first difference
Is human nature fundamentally good or bad? Mengzi argues for the instinctive goodness of human nature; however, admits our inherent goodness must be encouraged through propriety. Mengzi treats nature as one’s natural “potential, inclinations, or capacities” (Liu 68). It is important to note, however, that he only views nature as the beginning. Mengzi believes that the way we behave as mature humans is the result of how successful we are in fulfilling our nature. Other Confucians, like Xunxi, argued
chapters taken from ancient Chinese literature and translated into English by Yutang. He has also added his own commentary and a very lengthy introduction. Some of the books that Yutang used were: The Analects, written by one of Confucius' disciples Mencius, Spring and Autumn, written by Confucius himself, and The Book of Songs, which includes over three hundred Chinese songs and anthems edited by Confucius. Confucius was born in the small town of Tsou, Lu in 551 BC. His real name was Ch'iu K'ung. Ch'iu
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” (qtd. in "Quotes by Confucius"). Confucius was an exceptionally prominent character around 551 BCE until his death in 479 BCE, although records are unclear. He was greatly influential back in that time, and still remains so to this day; especially in Eastern countries such as China. Through his teachings and ideologies, he founded the Ru School of Chinese Thought, which today has been given the name of Confucianism. Confucius
Introduction America is becoming more and more diverse, and Mansfield, Ohio is no exception. Although, only 1.8% of Mansfield’s population is Asian, the Asian American population is growing faster than any other cultural group. It is predicted by 2030, the Asian population will reach 20 million with the Chinese community growing the most. ( ) Personally, I have always admired the loyalty and respect the Chinese populace has toward their aged. This admiration has driven me to learn more, not only
The Confucian Family Confucius, one of the most important man who ever lived in China, has a huge impact in political and spiritual life in China. His theory of philosophy has spread around the world in many years ago and eve until now. Confucianism shapes what China is today and effected Asia as a whole. Confucianism is a life style that is obtained and taught by Confucius in the 6th century BCE. Confucianism is viewed by many people as a philosophy and also a religion as well. People from China
One way Confucianism and Legalism would not work well together in a society because of their different beliefs of human nature. Confucians believe humans have the potential to be good, whereas legalist believe humans are naturally evil. These are not compatible because evil and good are opposites. Confucianists believe people must practice the Way so they can be good. In selection 3 from the confucianism primary sources it says, “Confucius said, “If you set your mind on humanity, you will be free
"The Master [Confucius] said, 'While a man's father is alive, look at the bent of his will; when his father is dead, look at his conduct. If for three years he does not alter from the way of his father, he may be called filial.' "[ Confucius & others. Analects, Book 1, 142. The Chinese Classis. Second Edition. Vol 1. Trans: James Legge. Taipei: Literature, History and Philosopny Press, 1960. Print] The verse in Book I of the Analects turned me away from the masterpiece again and again in my teenage
A Critique of Confucian Morality For many centuries, Confucianism has been widely revered by the Chinese for its emphasis on morality. Confucius, who lived from 551 to 479 BCE, is different to most philosophers in that he showed no interest questioning his existence, the possibility of a God, or the reality that he seemed to live in; instead he focused on the human relations side of philosophy as it was his belief that people should “give (themselves) earnestly to the duties due to men … (and)
Philosophy can best be described as an abstract, scholarly discourse. According to the Greek, philosophia refers to ‘love of knowledge’. This is an aspect that has involved a great number of clever minds in the world’s history. They have sought to deal with issues surrounding the character of veracity and significantly exploring the endeavors to respond to these issues. This paper seeks to compare and contrast the philosophy of Aristotle with that of Confucius. This is with a clear concentration
being evil or good. Two authors who have offered up these two opinions were Mencius and Hsun Tzu. Mencius focused on the good of the human race while Tzu focused on the evil. Tzu point of view seems more in line with my rational. However,
Mencius, the Latinized form of Meng Zi, a Confucian philosopher whose influence was second to that of Confucius, focused his theories and teachings on the subject of human nature. In D.C Lau's "Mencius", the dialogues between Mencius with the kings, military men, and other philosophers showed that Mencius had a strong view on human nature that he believed was intrinsically kind. While there were other Confucians who held opposing views about human nature, Mencius believed that every person was born