The Analects of Confucius
The Analects of Confucius
From what I can tell, the Analects is the telling of Confucius philosophy on a variety of subjects through a conversation with a few philosophers. It seems Confucius advocates behavior that showed obedience and respect for superiors. He indicates that older family members, Catholics, and community leaders are superior. He also says that superior people are responsible for those who are not superior. Many of Confucius teachings center on how important family is and how the lessons we learn in being a good and proper family can be used to teach us about many other things. He discusses the government, getting old and sick, learning and what to do with the knowledge, and the importance of friendship.
I was surprised to hear Confucius say that a superior man is Catholic, because even Catholics are taught that no man is superior. As Catholics, we were taught to believe that the only superior in our life was God, creator of Heaven and Earth. People are supposed to be treated equally. Age, race, sex, and jobs are things that usually distinguish how people are ranked. These things should not affect any kind of ranking because God is the only superior. No human is superior to another.
Another surprise is how Confucius discusses people who are not superior. He is very factual about why people are not superior. He indicates that if you are young or inexperienced that you are or cannot be superior, a role model, or a leader. I don’t think it is right to just decide that some people are inferior. The way he classifies people who are superior is unjust to Catholics. He believes because you are old, you are wise and if you are wise you are supreme. There are many other leaders that that are not very old, like young teachers, who can impart their wisdom. Many teenagers are making a difference in the world today and would be considered superior to many adults.
One of Confucius’ quotes, "Without an acquaintance with the rules of Propriety, it
From what I can tell, the Analects is the telling of Confucius philosophy on a variety of subjects through a conversation with a few philosophers. It seems Confucius advocates behavior that showed obedience and respect for superiors. He indicates that older family members, Catholics, and community leaders are superior. He also says that superior people are responsible for those who are not superior. Many of Confucius teachings center on how important family is and how the lessons we learn in being a good and proper family can be used to teach us about many other things. He discusses the government, getting old and sick, learning and what to do with the knowledge, and the importance of friendship.
I was surprised to hear Confucius say that a superior man is Catholic, because even Catholics are taught that no man is superior. As Catholics, we were taught to believe that the only superior in our life was God, creator of Heaven and Earth. People are supposed to be treated equally. Age, race, sex, and jobs are things that usually distinguish how people are ranked. These things should not affect any kind of ranking because God is the only superior. No human is superior to another.
Another surprise is how Confucius discusses people who are not superior. He is very factual about why people are not superior. He indicates that if you are young or inexperienced that you are or cannot be superior, a role model, or a leader. I don’t think it is right to just decide that some people are inferior. The way he classifies people who are superior is unjust to Catholics. He believes because you are old, you are wise and if you are wise you are supreme. There are many other leaders that that are not very old, like young teachers, who can impart their wisdom. Many teenagers are making a difference in the world today and would be considered superior to many adults.
One of Confucius’ quotes, "Without an acquaintance with the rules of Propriety, it