At the heart of this concept is also the idea of knowing the right or just course of action in any situation. Li is sometimes better understood as 'propriety', as it wasn't specifically limited to the understanding of literal rituals, but also extended to matters of personal conduct. Rites and Ritualsĭerived from the term li, rituals and the way of the Ancients, or ancient kings, were of particular interest to Confucius. Arthur Waley argues that such thinking was also the basis of Liberalism. Greek philosophy, for example, prefers the virtue of a middle path between two extremes.

This theme is mirrored in other works of literature and philosophy. The life of the gentleman is one of moderation. Rather what is right in every situation is of paramount concern. This person is not motivated by gain or by a specific political ideology. The life of the 'gentleman' is presented in the text as inherently superior in every way to what Confucius comes to refer to as the 'small man'. The Gentleman or Superior Scholarįrom the Chinese word Chun-tzu or Junzi, depending on the translation, this term refers to an individual who lives by a refined moral code, follows the Tao, and comes to internalize jen.

As such its attainment can take a lifetime to acquire and years of practiced polishing and re-polishing of one's values and character. It is a complex term outlining a nearly divine presence. It is important to note that the term does not simply mean 'good,' but speaks to a moral character and attitude that few can hope to possess. Translated from the word jen or ren, goodness or humaneness is frequently presented in the text as a virtue attained by knowledge and the observation of ritual.

The analects of confucius sparknotes