The Major Philosophies Of Confucius's The Analects

Register to read the introduction… It is a record of the conversations between Confucius and his disciples, which were later written down by his disciples. It is one of the major parts of Four Books. Confucius’s philosophies are based on the principle of good conduct, wisdom and proper social relationships. Confucius was the person who said that country should be ruled by moral values rather than with military powers. In the Analects Confucius says, “By nature men are pretty much alike; it is learning and practice that set them apart” (De Bary, Chan and Watson 23). This reflects Confucius’s character as a teacher. There is no good or bad man by birth. These are all acquired characteristics in a person’s lifetime, and education is the key point that makes a person different from another person. It is the knowledge that differentiates wise from unwise. …show more content…
In Confucianism, filial piety is one of the perfect virtues that a man should practice. It is the idea of humanity, which is based on serving one’s parents and respecting elders. In the Analects Confucius says, “Nowadays a filial son is just a man who keeps his parents in food. But even dogs or horses are given food. If there is no feeling of reverence, wherein lies the difference” (De Bary, Chan and Watson 27). Hence, a man should be filial to his parents inside his house and show reverence to his elders outside his house. This is the way to know to know the will of heaven. Heaven desires gentleman to do certain things and not to do others, and to follow the will of heaven family is the starting point. From family it spreads out to society, from society to country and from country to