Analects of Confucius

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the Analects of Confucius, focusing on key concepts such as reciprocity, virtue, and the values of li and Jen. It explores the significance of these concepts in Confucian philosophy and their impact on society. The document also discusses the role of education and family in moral development according to Confucius.

Analects of Confucius
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Table of Contents
Answer 1.....................................................................................................................................................2
Answer 2.....................................................................................................................................................2
Answer 3.....................................................................................................................................................3
Answer 4.....................................................................................................................................................3
Answer 5.....................................................................................................................................................4
Answer 6.....................................................................................................................................................4
References...................................................................................................................................................6

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Answer 1
In book IV, 4.15 the word reciprocity has been mentioned most of the time by Confucius,
where reciprocity is considered to be a golden rule that is significant to Analects. As per
Confucian social order, reciprocity is determined to be the basis of five fundamental human
relations that is essential to understand. After analyzing the principle of reciprocity Confucian
stated that the similarity proceeds further to the interpretation of the principle. Reciprocity is
regarding joining speech along with actions with the idea that the others will do the same.
Relationships begin to develop when there possess balanced reciprocity among the receivers and
givers.
The element of reciprocity is important as it has been observed that the golden rule of
reciprocity would not work without determining the reciprocated interchange of benefits or
giving back something in a similar way it was served (The Analects of Confucius. 2019). It is
significant as it involves consistency, exchange, and reversibility as it determines how to treat
others. The reciprocal considerations possess various aspects of the golden rule. It helps in
understanding the filial piety of a particular relationship. Confucian stated that the idea of
reciprocity is infused with feminist considerations that would help take care of ethics.
Answer 2
In book II. #2.1 it is mentioned that when one is ruling by means of virtue, it is like the
“Polestar”. Polestar dwells in its own mansion while others pay devotion to it and revolve around
it. Virtue is an ethical term which shows a behavior with high moral standards. As claimed by
Confucius human should guide their action by means of virtue i.e. their actions must pay regard
on the impact on another person and he has to understand the mutual obligations around the
organization of the society.
Once a disciple of Confucius asked him what should he do to win the hearts of people to
which Confucius replied that if he raises the straight up and set those straight above the crooked
then people will obey but if the crooked is raised up and is set above the straight then people will
not obey. Confucius is instructing someone on governance and the value of Confucius on roles of
social. It is important for a leader to have a style so that he can keep the rulers happy by letting

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those who are virtuous to prosper in an organization. Humans owe to the humanity and goodness
of each other, mutual obligation and respect, empathy and reciprocal concern.
Unfortunately, the teaching of Confucius has been twisted. The part which is not
applicable is that Confucius believes that it is the right of the emperor to govern his people. In
today's world, it is declared that everyone is born equal and we all have the same equal human
rights. The debt crisis has been affecting the U.S and it has reached a US$14.3 trillion debt. It
happened because citizens now pay more attention to their rights ignoring their responsibilities.
Answer 3
In Confucius's philosophy, one of the prominent terms is Junzi that is roughly translated
into a man of honor or gentleman, which is a significant Chinese culture. It is determined to be
the man who follows the highest standards of ethics. As per Confucius, a gentleman presents five
virtues that help in cultivating a man such as, benevolence, persistence, sincerity, generosity, and
self-respect. He suggested that if all men would follow the principles of li and Jen and work hard
to become a true gentleman than harmony and justice would rule the world. Confucian
anticipated a few of the processes to cultivate virtues to become a true gentleman. They are
universal self-government, local self-government, and family-discipline, and self-development,
the integrity of purpose, sincerity, learning, and investigation of phenomena.
Based on Confucius philosophy all these virtues are regarded as the essential factors for
human society. His philosophy is considered to be a humanistic philosophy that focuses on the
development of harmony among society and man. He believed that by studying the fundamental
virtues of the societies, it would help build a better society. Therefore, Confucius wanted to
create harmony as well as peace among man and man, in other words between man and society.
Answer 4
Confucius emphasizes various values out of which the twin concepts of li and Jen are
often determined to constitute the basis of Confucianism. The first value is Jen which states what
makes a man distinctively human, man-to-man-ness, benevolence, goodness, and human-
heartedness. The second value is of Li which presents a concrete guide to human action, dignity,
order, benefit, and the principle of gain. The third value is Yi that demonstrates the moral
disposition to do well and righteousness which is an essential aspect for superior man and Jen.

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Based on Confucian true self the impersonal ego is regarded as the appropriated or assimilated
values of the human culture. The values within the act are considered to be the rightness of the
action based on the consequences or intention of the act. Confucius strongly emphasized man
and his virtue where he states that the destiny of a man does not relies upon the mind of the
spirits but on his virtue and the man himself.
Answer 5
One of the favorite lines in this selection is that Confucius said: “Surely proper behavior
towards parents and elder brothers is the trunk of goodness”. From Confucius's point of view, a
family is a moral fundamental unit. It is family only from where we get our first taste of
relationships of which society is constituted. When we get the chance to practice the rituals in
our family it ultimately makes us a better person in the future.
Another favorite line is “To learn something and rehearse it constantly, is this indeed not
a pleasure?” Confucius had a love for learning and according to him, education plays an
important role in the path of moral improvement. I liked the fact that he taught many students
regardless of their background and he supported removing economic and social barriers to
education.
Answer 6
Confucianism focuses upon three fundamental values represented by three basic symbols
such as, double happiness and harmony in nature symbol stand for righteousness, the symbol of
yin yang stands for perfect balance and ideogram that indicates water as a source of life. The
three core values are Ren, Li, and Yi.
Ren: Ren means “Altruism”, sacrifice oneself for the sake of others. Every person is born
well and every person has the same core values. It is their living way, their influences, and
practices that change them.
Li: Li means “etiquette” i.e. a set of values that one should incorporate in his life to make
the society healthy. Proper conduct and conversation with people are also included in Li.
Yi: Yi means "righteousness" which is a set of morals plea mankind to do actions which
can benefit others and justice.

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In today's context, we still share the values of Li that makes society content and healthier.
It possesses some of the values that are still followed by society such as, proper conduct of
funeral or marriage, conversing with another person, drinking tea and many more. The values of
Confucianism is determined to be a universal way of life where the core values remain the same
even though society changes.

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References
The Analects of Confucius. (2019). Google Books. Retrieved 8 February 2019, from
https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Analects_of_Confucius.html?
id=HzRiECOa1PkC&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&redir_esc=y#v=one
page&q&f=false