The Gentleman Confucius

The Chinese philosopher, teacher and politician, Confucius, highlighted the importance of personal morality and the ability to think for one’s self during the failure of imperial rule. His teachings became an orthodox philosophy in which followers realize the prominence of higher thinking and how one can achieve personal junzi, or “the gentleman”, through Confucius’ lessons. Throughout much of The Analects of Confucius, the master lists many ways to achieve junzi, such as book XII, chapter 16. The gentleman theme appears multiple times during the book to emphasize what Confucius believes a superior man should strive to achieve in his lifetime so as to reach Heaven. His goal in writing down his lessons was to produce moral men to think, speak

A person embodied junzi when he is able to appropriately act or speak for himself in any situation and can be an example for others as a virtuous, positive man in the community. Confucius explains, “’The gentleman helps others realize what is good in them…’” (XII, 16), which demonstrates the encouraging characteristics of a man who exemplifies the superior person. This lesson would instill Confucius’ conviction to create ethical people because the quote lays out what a gentleman specifically does when in certain positions. He goes on to say, “’…he does not help them to realize what is bad in them. The small man does opposite’” (XII, 16), further clarifying a gentleman’s purpose is not pointing out another man’s flaws, because a petty man does this instead. The gentleman theme is carried on throughout The Analects of Confucius, starting with book I, chapter 14 which asserts, “’the gentleman…is quick to action but cautious in speech’”. The master defends junzi as the capability to not only act on one’s feet, but is also slow to speak. Again, in book IV, chapter 24 Confucius restates, “’The gentleman desire to be halting in speech but quick in action,’” drawing attention to intelligent speech. Moreover, added stress comes in book XIX, chapter 9 when the master articulates, “’…in speech he appears

However, he also focuses on how gentleman behaves in order to reach Heaven. The master portrays a gentleman as having, “’morality as his basic stuff and by observing the rites puts it into practice, by being modest gives it expression, and by being trustworthy in word brings it to completion’” (XV, 18). This gives devotees a guide as to how to act in an ethical, honest way within a society. Personal junzi is also established when Confucius states, “’what the gentleman seeks, he seeks within himself; what the small man seeks, he seeks in others’” (XV, 21). This chapter forms an individual gentleman’s of need as self reliance, while a petty man still asks for others approval or help. Confucius believes when one reflects on himself, the then understands the need for caring for