Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 226
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and to shape good character. It was his hope that rulers would adopt his approach to
social and political morality and interpersonal relations to spread harmony and peace.
The Analects, the most famous work associated with him, is a compilation of his
teachings created by later generations of his followers. What quotations from The
Analects seem to be relevant in today’s world and to you personally? Do you disagree in
any way with his philosophy?
From The Analects
“Above all, be loyal and stand by your words. Befriend only those who are kindred
spirits. And when you are wrong, do not be afraid to change.”
“It’s honoring parents and elders that make people human. Then they rarely turn against
authority. And if people don’t turn against authority, they never rise up and pitch the
country into chaos. The noble-minded cultivate roots. When roots are secure, the Way is
born. To honor parents and elders – isn’t that the root of Humanity?”
“To be born enlightened: that is highest. To study and so become enlightened: that is
next. To feel trapped and so study: that is third. To feel trapped and never study; that is
the level of the common people, the lowest level.”
“If you scold your sovereign too often, you will end up disgraced. If you scold your
friend too often, you’ll end up alone.”
“Is there any one world that could guide a person throughout life? The Master replied:
“How about “shu“: never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself?
“How can you love people without encouraging them? And how can you be loyal to
people without educating them?”
Bibliography:
Confucius, The Analects (translation by David Hinton)
Mary Connor, Asia in Focus: The Koreas
McArthur, Meher. Confucius
Michael Molloy, Experiencing the World’s Religions: Tradition, Challenge & Change
(A good part of the information is directly from Molloy’s excellent text)
Rhoads Murphy “East Asia: A New History”
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