“The gentleman stands in awe of three things. He is in awe of the Decree of Heaven. He is in awe of great men. He is in awe of the words of sages. The small man, being ignorant of the decree of heaven, does not stand in awe of it. He treated great men with insolence and the words of the sages with derision.” (Confucius, Book 16, Section 8, Page 140)
Confucius elaborates on junzi very frequently. They’re the ideal model of a law abiding, knowledgable, and humble citizen and gentleman in Confucian philsophy. However, he does note that even junzi are subject to the influence of other aspects such as the Decree of Heaven, greater men, and the words of sages. It’s noteworthy in that Confucius concedes his ideal superior citizen must be obedient …show more content…
What I found very interesting is that this stands in stark contrast with western teachings as well as philosophies. From a western point of view, the constant influence of the Decree of Heaven could be seen as stifling and illogical. From Ancient Greek to Renaissance philosophy, the progress of society seemed to be based on the ability to question the status quo, not follow it blindly. Even in modern American society, democracy relies on the presence of educated individuals who question. The presence of an omnipotent force in the form of a church was demolished centuries ago. Figures such as Martin Luther, Copernicus, and Descartes did not stand in awe of an omnipotent force, but rather tore it …show more content…
Today, they are revered as philosophers who built the foundations of science, mathematics and other fields. However, by the Confucian definition of junzi. They would be considered “small men” as they did not stand in awe of the “Decree of Heaven.” In other words, the values of western society and ancient Confucian society are completely reversed. The ideal Renaissance person was always in search of knowledge even if it meant disturbing the status quo and “rocking the boat.” However, Confucius seems to limit the search of knowledge to the realms within reach. This isn’t necessarily “bad” at all. Too much questioning leads to rebellion and disdain as shown by the Protestant-Catholic conflict. Confucius
Confucius elaborates on junzi very frequently. They’re the ideal model of a law abiding, knowledgable, and humble citizen and gentleman in Confucian philsophy. However, he does note that even junzi are subject to the influence of other aspects such as the Decree of Heaven, greater men, and the words of sages. It’s noteworthy in that Confucius concedes his ideal superior citizen must be obedient …show more content…
What I found very interesting is that this stands in stark contrast with western teachings as well as philosophies. From a western point of view, the constant influence of the Decree of Heaven could be seen as stifling and illogical. From Ancient Greek to Renaissance philosophy, the progress of society seemed to be based on the ability to question the status quo, not follow it blindly. Even in modern American society, democracy relies on the presence of educated individuals who question. The presence of an omnipotent force in the form of a church was demolished centuries ago. Figures such as Martin Luther, Copernicus, and Descartes did not stand in awe of an omnipotent force, but rather tore it …show more content…
Today, they are revered as philosophers who built the foundations of science, mathematics and other fields. However, by the Confucian definition of junzi. They would be considered “small men” as they did not stand in awe of the “Decree of Heaven.” In other words, the values of western society and ancient Confucian society are completely reversed. The ideal Renaissance person was always in search of knowledge even if it meant disturbing the status quo and “rocking the boat.” However, Confucius seems to limit the search of knowledge to the realms within reach. This isn’t necessarily “bad” at all. Too much questioning leads to rebellion and disdain as shown by the Protestant-Catholic conflict. Confucius