Confucius

Confucius has many good, interesting points. From how we approach people around us, to how we approach the people within us, to how we lead well, Confucius hits on many areas that can be really important.

In previous weeks Plato and Aristotle talked about “the perfect man” Describing certain qualities within him, they supposed that this man was fit to lead. From a focus on Philosophy, to being athletic, smart, and well learned in math and astronomy, they both had somewhat different views, but the same goal. Confucius on the other hand doesn’t go that route. He may be talking about a good leader, or emperor, but not in the same way. Confucius focuses on the inner self of a person. How they approach other people, themselves, and god. He stressed the importance of learning, and always striving to go deeper.

He does this but talking about introspection, the ability to self analyze yourself, to find out if things need to be changed.  He talks about how an emperor must always be honest with themselves, and must strive to be the best character they can be.  big part of this is how an emperor treats the people around them. Confucius says that they must honor and recognize honest people, and people with good intentions. That if you don't honor those people it sets a bad precedent. This is something American culture has missed. By celebrating wealth and fame, no matter the character of the person, we have set dangerous precedents for who can lead our country, and who can help define the culture of our country. Whereas Aristotle and Plato discuss the perfect person to lead, Confucius would say that it can be anyone as long as what's inside is good. This concept has to do with divine right, and the fact that without it the emperor will fall.   

Confucius then talks about the way an emperor approaches the world around them, and how that's the same way heaven will approach them. Whether giving them this divine right, or withholding it since they are not worthy. Again, it's all focused inwards.

This is similar to how we as christians believe. It doesn't matter who you are on the outside. Doesn't matter what gifts, talents, or looks you have. All that matters is the righteousness of your heart, and how Jesus changes that.  This is an interesting connection since the two were developed completely apart from one another.

This focus inward is what sets Confucius apart, and why I liked him better than Aristotle and Plato. Where Plato and Aristotle would present a single type of person to lead, Confucius suggests that anyone can lead as long as their heart is pure.

One of the last things Confucius mentions is exploring new things. Confucius puts forth that an emperor should never stop discussing new problems, should always come at things from new angles. This connects really well with the introspection part, because it keeps the ruler active. The emperor is never complacent, and never believes he/she has solved every problem. In the same way we should be doing the same, especially with our spiritual lives. I had a teacher i high school who changed the way he taught his class every single year, always striving to be better. This is what Confucius i saying. Have the honest introspection to learn, and have the determination to do better, never settling for less. Do this, and you shall lead a long life as a leader, never failing, always lifting people up, beloved by "your people". For Confucius, being human is to look inside oneself, and to strive to greater things.