Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who had a wide knowledge on almost every subject and he delivered some analects that were useful for the better humanity and obtaining a better place in God’s evaluation.
Goodness/ Humanness
Goodness or humanness can be considered as a virtue that can be attained by the proper knowledge and education (Smith 2017). This factor in the human character does not positively require being ‘good’ but it requires possessing a moral character. There is a divine presence that is underlined with these analects. A person’s value and character can be assessed by implying these analects (Yu 2012). An example of this might be cited when a person helps his fellow human being without the expectation of anything in return.
The Gentleman or Superior scholar
These analects are derived from the Chinese term Chun-tzu or Junzi. This term reflects a human being who lives by some moral or ethical codes in his lifestyle. The life of a ‘Gentleman’ is quite in the same line with the superiority of the human beings. This theme has been reflected in many works of literature and philosophy in the later periods (Yu 2012). This can found in cases when a person is true to his intentions and follows his moral character in his everyday life.
Rites and Rituals
These analects are derived from the Chinese term ‘li’. Another implication of the term ‘li’ can be better understood by ‘propriety’ (Yu 2012). These rituals are related to the understanding of the literal rituals as well as the moral conduct. Through this, one can be able to know the right or just course of action in any situation. An example of this may be cited when a person is found to maintain the traditional rituals in his life by providing respectful behavior towards their elders, abiding by the dress codes on certain days of the year and other such activities.
Learning
The analects of Confucius always place an importance on the learning but this not be confused with that of the formal education (Yu 2012). This process of learning incorporates the fact that knowledge should be gained in a continual process as this will increase the wisdom of the human beings. A person may be said to be portraying an example of this particular one of the four analects if he is open to acquiring knowledge from all available sources around him.
Four (4) ideas of Lau Tzu’s Tao Te Ching
The teachings of Lau Tzu’s Tao Te Ching are very important and precious philosophical texts for the understanding of the humanistic visions of life (Heider 2014).
Reverence for All Life
This idea reflects the fact that the human beings should show the unconditional love for the all kinds of life in the entire universe. If people start to love Him, this love will then will flow out to others as well. Thus human beings will be able to love all forms of life in this earth (Heider 2014). An example depicting the situation might be found when a person does not discriminate between a person of his peer group and a person who has to beg for making his living.
Natural sincerity
This idea reflects on the kindness and authenticity among the human beings. People are said to be able to establish tranquility and peace of mind if they can act with integrity in their fields of work (Chan 2015). An example of this theory may be found in a situation where a person acts with integrity in his workplace and therefore achieve the required job satisfaction. This helps the person to achieve peace of his own mind.
Gentleness
Gentleness is a very important and powerful trait of human beings. The human beings should show respect, integrity and sensitivity to the fellow human beings (Chan 2015). It is believed that being kind to the human beings is always just than to be right. This act is much likely to be similar to that of the Yogic term ‘ahimsa’ or non-violence.an example of the trait of gentleness can be found when a person shows respect and sensitivity to the people around him without distinguishing between them on any grounds.
Supportiveness
It is believed in this idea when a human being is supportive of oneself, with some of the kind words, caring for self and loving actions, one is definitely supportive to the others as well. To perform the just acts of humanity, one must with kindness and supportiveness for the humanistic causes (Chan 2015). An example of this may be found in situations where a person is supportive of his fellow beings and encourages them in their daily chores.
References
Chan, Wing-tsit. The Way of Lao Tzu. Ravenio Books, 2015.
Heider, John. The Tao of leadership: Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching adapted for a new age. Green Dragon Books, 2014.
Smith, Craig R. Rhetoric and human consciousness: A history. Waveland Press, 2017.
Yu, Jiyuan. "Transmitting and Innovating in Confucius: Analects 7: 1." Asian Philosophy 22, no. 4 (2012): 375-386.
