Confucius Four Theories Of Human Nature

Throughout his life, Confucius identified many complications pertaining to the morality and well being of the Chinese civilization.(The Twelve Theories of Human Nature, Leslie Stevenson, David L. Haberman, Peter Matthews Wright, Oxford University Press, Sixth Edition, 2013.) Confucius diagnosed the problems in China to be the desire for wealth or profit, lack of familial respect, one’s words do not represent their actions, ignorance to the Way of the Sages, and the lack of benevolence in human action; his prescription for these problems involved self discipline, acting without a desired outcome, practicing familial respect, rectification of names, and actively studying (24). There are a total of five problems that Confucius states interfere with an individual’s pursuit to Jen and being a benevolent member of society (22). Jen, or the virtue of benevolence is only attainable if one incorporates his prescriptions into their lifestyle (23). The first problem Confucius mentions is people’s desire for profit (22). The yearning for profit hinders one’s ability to make decisions based on moral principles; in turn choosing an outcome based on the benefits it may provide (22). “Confucius contented that action guided by profit leads to immoral circumstances and social disharmony wherein all people are selfishly looking out for themselves alone”(23). The next problem mentioned resides in the lack of filial piety or respect for one’s family or elders (23). Confucius believed that a lack of respect within a family leads to poor citizenship and will affect relationships with others outside of the …show more content…
Through his teachings he enabled others to achieve a higher state of moral being, known as Jen. Although achieving a state of benevolence was demanding, it was obtainable if the prescriptions Confucius introduced were