EASTERN PHILOSOPHY - Confucius

Summary

This script delves into the life and teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher born in 551 BC. It highlights his emphasis on ritual propriety, filial piety, and obedience to honorable people, as well as the cultivation of virtues like benevolence and wisdom. Despite the challenges he faced, Confucius' teachings have profoundly influenced Eastern culture, promoting moral discipline and shaping political ideas on leadership. The script suggests that his seemingly old-fashioned values offer a necessary corrective to modern society's informality and impulsiveness.

Takeaways

• 📚 Confucius, born in 551 BC, is a renowned Chinese philosopher with little known about his life, possibly being a student of Lao Tzu.
• 🏛 He served in various government roles, including Minister of Crime under Duke Ding in the state of Lu, before a disagreement led to his departure.
• 🎁 The rift with Duke Ding arose from the Duke's distraction with gifts of women and horses, which Confucius deemed inappropriate for a ruler.
• 🚶‍♂️ After leaving the court, Confucius wandered for years, reflecting on his philosophies.
• 📖 His teachings were later compiled into the 'Analects' (Lunyu), a collection of sayings recorded by his followers.
• 🌟 The Golden Rule is a prominent moral taught by Confucius: 'Do not do unto others what you don't want done to yourself'.
• 🤔 Some of Confucius' teachings may seem strange or old-fashioned to modern, especially Western, sensibilities, yet they offer valuable advice.
• 🏮 Confucius emphasized the importance of 'Ritual Propriety' (Li), suggesting that ceremonies have a deeper emotional significance beyond their immediate actions.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Filial piety, or revering one's parents, is a core aspect of Confucian thought, advocating for obedience, care, and respect towards one's elders.
• 🙇‍♂️ Obedience to honorable people and maintaining social hierarchies is another key teaching, promoting respect and humility towards those with greater experience or achievements.
• 🌱 Cultivated knowledge and virtues such as benevolence, ritual propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and integrity are seen as more important than spontaneous creativity.
• 🕊 Despite not achieving his goals in his lifetime, Confucius' teachings have had a lasting impact, influencing Eastern political ideas and being practiced by millions today.

Q & A

When was Confucius said to have been born and where?

Confucius is said to have been born in 551 BC in China.

Is there a possibility that Confucius was a student of Lao Tzu?

Yes, it is suggested that Confucius may have been a student of the Daoist master, Lao Tzu.

What roles did Confucius serve under Duke Ding in the state of Lu?

Confucius served many roles, including Minister of Crime, under Duke Ding in the state of Lu.

Why did Confucius leave the court of Duke Ding?

Confucius left the court after the duke received a present of 80 beautiful women and 124 horses, which led the duke to neglect his duties, something Confucius found deeply improper for a ruler.

What is the 'Analects 论语 (Lunyu)' and when was it collected?

The 'Analects 论语 (Lunyu)' is a collection of sayings of Confucius, written down by his followers, and it was collected around between the 3rd and 5th century B.C.

What is Confucius' version of the Golden Rule?

Confucius' version of the Golden Rule is 'Do not do unto others what you don't want done to yourself'.

Why does Confucius emphasize the importance of ceremony?

Confucius emphasizes the importance of ceremony because he believed in 'Ritual Propriety 禮 (Li)', which helps make intentions clear and guides how to behave.

What does Confucius teach about the treatment of parents?

Confucius teaches that we should obey our parents when young, care for them when old, mourn them when they die, and practice 'Filial Piety', which includes not traveling far while they are alive and covering for them if they commit wrongdoings.

How does Confucius view the relationship between superiors and inferiors?

Confucius views the relationship between superiors and inferiors as one where the inferior should practice humility and respect, likening it to the wind and the grass, where the grass must bend when the wind blows.

What does Confucius believe about the importance of cultivated knowledge over creativity?

Confucius believes that cultivated knowledge, which comes from years of hard work and reflection, is more important than sudden bursts of creativity, as it forms the foundation of wisdom and moral character.

What is the legacy of Confucius and how has it influenced Eastern thought?

Confucius' teachings have been passed along for over two thousand years, influencing millions of people as a spiritual or religious discipline and greatly affecting Eastern political ideas about morality, obedience, and good leadership.

How does the script suggest we should view Confucian virtues in the modern world?

The script suggests that while Confucian virtues may seem strange or old-fashioned, they are important as a corrective to the excesses of the modern world, which is informal, egalitarian, and full of innovation.