Confucius can be regarded conservative through this writings; however, conservatism is greatly seen in the Analects through different themes like rituals (Li), humaneness (Jen/Ren), Superior
Scholar (Chun-tzu), Filial (Xiao).
Confucius has focused a number of his teachings on following rites and rituals, in many areas of the book we see his agree with his disciples on the importance and usage of rituals. The word ritual is derived from the term li. Li was extended to matter of personal conduct and not only limited to understanding of literal rituals. "Do …show more content…
28). This is not something one would believe in today thus giving
Confucius a very conservative picture.
Confucius and his disciples revolve their teachings a lot around believing in humaneness. The text gives me the feeling of compassion and tenderness that was present during
Yamini Bharwani
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that time. Humaneness is derived from the term jen or ren. They look at humaneness as a virtue that was to be gained through observing rituals and knowledge. "Qiu could be employed as steward for a city of a thousand households or a family with a hundred chariots, but I do not know that he is humane." (p. 16, 17). This implies that the master had an idea about being humane that was different from having a proper position in life that one can attain through being kind and good. Thus we see that Confucius focused more on attainment of humaneness through moral character and attitude which he believed only a few people could possess. This is very different from today where a small act of kindness gives a person the tag of being humane. "The humane person is hesitant in his speech." (p. 44), these words of the master showed the level of