Analects Mencius And Xunzi - 1512 Words

The Analects, the Mencius, and the Xunzi Confucius was China’s first moral philosopher, and his ideas influence people all over the world even in the present day. Confucianism is a philosophy, a political ideology, and a way of life. Confucius had many followers, two of which are especially significant and would continue his teachings long after his death. These two were called Mencius and Xunzi(Xun Kuang). However, even though they would continue to spread his ideas throughout the realm, they also developed nuanced and differing viewpoints from each other and that also differed from the teachings of Confucius himself. Their individual perspectives are each outlined in their own writings. The Analects served as a compilation of the†¦show more content†¦Filial piety could be applied to government as well, between rulers and subjects, nobles and commoners, or men and women. Mencius, as one of the most influential scholars of Confucian thought, shared many of the same views as Confucius and furthered many of his ideas. One example would be the emphasis on family and its connection to the government. Mencius, like Confucius, saw that the wellbeing of the family was crucial for prosperity of the state. He also emphasized filial piety and advocated for agriculture instead of fighting more wars. Furthermore, he took on the idea of the gentleman versus the ordinary person, someone who was distinguished, diligent, righteous, and respectful. But while the views of Mencius seem to more closely mirror those of Confucius, that was not entirely the case. For example, Confucius emphasized the importance of rulers as well as loyalty to authorities, stressing adherence to the social stratifications set in place by Chinese culture and society. However, Mencius said, referring to the noble ministers of the court, that â€Å"When the ruler makes a major error, they poin t it out. If he does not listen to their repeated remonstrations, then they put someone else on the throne.† He argued that subjects should be able to overthrow a ruler that is unjust, for it is only a ruler that is righteous and benevolent that should be supported by the people. Mencius also stressed the importance of a person’s motives, something not explicitly seenShow MoreRelatedThe Idea of Li and Governing Essay1666 Words   |  7 Pagesbelieve that Li will teach and mold us into beings that will follow the norms of our society. The three major Confucian philosophers whom used the idea of Li to shape their theories were Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. All three of these philosophers used Li to shape their ideal government, but it was Xunzi who would have the most applicable form of an ideal government. Confucius was alive and teaching during the Spring and Autumn period. The power of the Zhou king was on the decline and the rulersRead MoreConfucianism And Its Impact On Society908 Words   |  4 Pagesthe history of China. His teachings found in the Analects, discusses ethical modules family, politics, economy, and more. In his teachings he promotes humanness (ren), ritual propriety (li), and the developing of exemplary persons (Junzi). (Li pg. 87) Confucius thrived on the idea of self-cultivation towards becoming more fully human. He expressed this as being a long process that will take time and develop as one ages. This can be found in the Analect 2.4. He is describing the journey to self-cultivationRead MoreThe Early Confucius And Modern Political Party891 Words   |  4 PagesThis film likens the early Confucius philosophers to a modern political party. 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Because Confucianism aims at eliminating chaos and maintaining order in a harmonious society , they all agree that the guidance and educationRead MoreConfucianism Is An Eastern Asia Religion / Philosophy1071 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.† There are no main mythical figures in the religion of Confucianism. However, Confucius is not the only important figure who contributed to the continuation of these beliefs. Mencius and Xunzi sustained Confucianism after the death of Confucius. In the 16th century, Emperor Ming reformed the Confucian cult and focused more on the teaching of Confucius and acknowledged the nature of humans as a whole need to be worked on. ConfucianismRead MoreReview Asian 104 Essay5895 Words   |  24 Pagesone thing within rather than separate without; (5) dynamic: they are not in a static state but in changing process and transform into each other; and (6) harmonious equilibrium: they seek balance through cooperation and in accord. d. jun-zi (in the Analects) Behind Confucius pursuit of the ideal moral character lies the unspoken presupposition that the ultimate concern a person should have and also the primary worthwhile thing a person should do is to strive to become a jun-zi/ Ã¥ â€ºÃ¥ ­  morally superiorRead MoreConfucianism, Daoism, and Legalism Essay1175 Words   |  5 Pageslegacy and Confucianism later went on to become one of the most influential thought systems of Chinese history. Of his followers, Mencius and Xunzi became one of the most renown. Since Confucius did not succeed in completing a manual of his views, these followers had to derive their own interpretations of the system, which now formulate, the Analects. The Analects portray an idealized gentleman, and his various duties in terms of the society, family and rituals. Confucius explains about the wayRead MoreMencius vs. Confucius2600 Words   |  11 PagesI think that Confucius was more correct in his views than Mencius, not because of differing views (although they did differ at certain points), but because of the way these ideas were carried out throughout his career, and ultimately, his life. Confucius was a Chinese thinker and philosopher. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, and justice and sincerity. These values gained prominence in China over other doctrines, such as Taoism duringRead MoreComparing Laozi Gathered Eighty Seven And Book Two Books1162 Words   |  5 PagesBooks of Odes, Book of Rites, and The Spring of Autumn Annals. Everyone was expected to know these classics and remember then. But as time passed, they were no longer required to remember these, then the 5 classics turned into four books, The Analects, The Mencius, The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean. Confucius was born in 551 BCE. While practicing Confucianism, he came up with the 100 schools of thought, which was during the Worrying State and the Spring and Autumn Epa. He also came up withRead MoreThe Two Chinese Philosophies Of Confucianism1816 Words   |  8 Pagesbelieved that education was far more important than inducing punishments. He argued that if people were given a set of rules it would not bring any sense of shame and thus people would just find ways to get around them. Instead, Confucius argued in the Analects to, â€Å"Lead them with excellence and put them in their place through roles and ritual practices, and in addition to developing a sense of shame, they will order themselves harmoniously.† He believed that people would do the right thing always because