Confucius Say…

To know what we know, and know what we do not know, is

wisdom.

Confucius 孔夫子• 551 – 479 BC (during

the Qin Dynasty)• Born in the feudal

state of Liu and known in China by the name Kung Fu-tzu

• Became a teacher and editor of books.

Confucius Say…• As you walked in the door, I handed

you a slip of paper…Each slip has ½ of a quotation that was written by the Chinese philosopher, Confucius.

• You must now figure out the words of Confucius by walking around the room and reading your quotations to one another until you find the second half of your quote

Confucius Say…1. Respect yourself and other will respect you2. Not to be known is no sorrow. My sorrow is not

knowing men.3. Guide the people by law, align them by

punishment; they may shun crime, but they will want shame. Guide them by mind, align them by courtesy; they will learn shame and grow good.

4. Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Confucius Say…5. When your father is alive observe his

intentions. When he is deceased, model yourself on the memory of his behavior. If in three years after his death you have not deviated from your father’s ways, then you may be considered a filial child.

6. He that can feed his parents is now called a good son. But both dogs and horses are fed, and unless we honor our parents, what is the difference?

Confucius Say…7. The superior man cannot be known in little

matters, but he may be entrusted with great concerns. The small man may not be entrusted with great concerns, but he may be known in little matters.

8. The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

9. According to Confucianism, women had to obey their fathers when they were not married, to obey their husbands when in wedlock, and to obey their sons in their widowhood.

The Basis of Confucianism

• Rooted in the belief that familial relationships are the foundation for society – Ancestor worship

• Strong emphasis on education in the development of a person’s moral character and their ability to lead.

The Qingming Festival

The Qingming Festival

Major Confucian Principles• Li Rituals and rules create an enduring

and stable society; etiquette in society• Ren Benevolence and kindness• Shu Reciprocity, empathy

– Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.

• Yi Do what is right (not just for yourself)• Xiao Filial Piety (Respect your elders!)

Relationships in Confucianism

• The subordinate person was always to defer and learn from the superior person in the relationship.

• At the same time, the superior person had a responsibility to act as a custodian for the subordinate person.

5 Principle Relationships1. Ruler2. Parent3. Husband4. Older

sibling5. Older

Friend

1. Subject2. Child3. Wife4. Younger

Sibling5. Younger

Friend

• The single most important Confucian work.

• In Chinese, it means “conversation.”• Focus on sensible ways of behaving in

ones relationships and also the ways leaders should behave to ensure for the well-being of a society/government

Sayings from the Analects

• Knowing what he knows and knowing what he doesn’t know, is characteristics of the person who knows.

• Making a mistake and not correcting it, is making another mistake.

• The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others.

• To go too far is as wrong as to fall short.

Mencius• 372 - 289 BC; was a disciple of Confucius.

– Deciphered Confucius’ teachings and spread the philosophy

• Starts off with the assumption that “people are basically good.”

• The emperor is the example of proper behavior --> “big daddy”

• If someone does something bad, education, not punishment, is the answer.– Good people will mend their ways in accordance to their

inherent goodness.

• You have a list of 8 different sayings from the Analect.

• You must now come up with a modern day interpretation of each of the 8 (you may work with a partner…

• Then make up your own based on a bit of wisdom you would like to impart!

Confucius Say…