Golden Rule Confucianism
The Golden Rule says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Confucian Analects seem to teach the same idea, but from a different perspective. When examining the text, the phrase, “Do to yourself as you would do unto others,” seemed to come into form, and this change in viewpoint is the more logical way to examine the Golden Rule. It is foolish for a man to contemplate others actions as outside forces are out of control. What he can control, however, is the way he chooses to treat himself and that is what makes him into a Gentleman. Confucius focused on the social relationship between men which leads the student to turn inward to examine themselves. The root of Confucianism, social harmony, begins with one person and their
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He adopts benevolence through his actions and strives to accomplish that which is helpful to his brothers. (Confucius) On the other hand, the small man is full of anxieties and seeks profit in most of his actions. (Confucius) He lives for himself and focuses on his gain. The Analects makes the distinction very clear between these two personas but how they are portrayed could be improved. While it is admirable that the Analects focus more heavily on the positive gentleman, it is important that the text also equally displays the action of the small man so readers can identify their fallbacks and grow. As in closely related practices of Daoism, there is positive and negative in equal parts in the world, so, Confucians might find more of a balance in appreciating the Gentleman and small man as associates, able to do equal parts of good and equal parts of bad. To call the gentleman as a “Noble” man is placing judgment on the small man just how calling a man “small” will make him feel weak. Perhaps the terms “enlightened” and “non-enlightened” would be a better way of calling the characters. Favoring one over the other does nothing for the student as they will have a false sense of positivity. There is no such thing as the light without the dark and the Analects should reflect
He adopts benevolence through his actions and strives to accomplish that which is helpful to his brothers. (Confucius) On the other hand, the small man is full of anxieties and seeks profit in most of his actions. (Confucius) He lives for himself and focuses on his gain. The Analects makes the distinction very clear between these two personas but how they are portrayed could be improved. While it is admirable that the Analects focus more heavily on the positive gentleman, it is important that the text also equally displays the action of the small man so readers can identify their fallbacks and grow. As in closely related practices of Daoism, there is positive and negative in equal parts in the world, so, Confucians might find more of a balance in appreciating the Gentleman and small man as associates, able to do equal parts of good and equal parts of bad. To call the gentleman as a “Noble” man is placing judgment on the small man just how calling a man “small” will make him feel weak. Perhaps the terms “enlightened” and “non-enlightened” would be a better way of calling the characters. Favoring one over the other does nothing for the student as they will have a false sense of positivity. There is no such thing as the light without the dark and the Analects should reflect