Analects of Confucius - Essay Example

His thought can be found in great learning and the doctrine of the mean, which is the doctrine of equilibrium and harmony.

The doctrine of equilibrium and harmony

In this doctrine, he contends that the heavens have conferred a human nature on mankind alone. That acting according to our humanity provides the true path through life, and that wisdom from the past helps us learn how to follow this path. It is wrong to leave this path for an instant since a path that you are free to leave can never be the true path (Waley & Allen, 2000). In this account, the superior man is cautious and careful with respect to where he focuses his attention and is regarded. Humankind must thus give their mind to what is worth listening to and is worth saying. That superior man should always be watchful even when alone (Wing-Tsit, 2005).

He contends that, when there are no stirrings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy, the mind is in a state of equilibrium. On the other hand, when these feelings are stirred, and act to their due degree, the resultant is the state of harmony. That equilibrium is the root where acts of humanity grow. On the other hand, harmony is the path that guides them, such that when equilibrium and harmony exist in perfection, a happy order prevails throughout heaven and earth, and all things are nourished (Waley & Allen, 2000).

Great learning

Confucius contends that the path of learning is to illuminate the goodness in man, to bring out what is best in people, and to achieve the highest excellence. That once the true point of departure on this path is found thoughts become clear. Calmness yields peace needed for deliberations and such deliberations yield desired goals. He proceeds on this line of thought that to exhibit goodness in kingdoms, first-order well, the states, which are for rulers. That it will follow to families, then the person rectifies their hearts. To do this, they first sought to be sincere in their thoughts by first extending to the utmost of their knowledge, and this lay in the investigation of things. With rounded knowledge, as he espouses, then sincere thoughts, and rectified hearts, persons rectified and cultivated, the order is brought to their families, to states rightly governed, and the whole kingdom is tranquil and happy. Here, he contends that the cultivation of the person is the root of everything (Legge, 2008).

Confucius contends that what you do not want to be done to yourself do not do to others. This is his idea of reciprocity. That virtue is firm, enduring, simple, and modest and propriety establishes character and love for learning.