Think

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Think

• What the gentleman demands is something of
  himself. What the petty man demands is something
  of others.
• Anyone learning without thought is lost, anyone
  thinking but not learning is in peril.
• Do not worry because you have no position. Worry
  about your qualifications. Do not worry because
  no one appreciates your abilities. Seek to be
  worthy of appreciation
• These are all quotes by the famous Chinese
  philosopher/teacher/activist Confucius.

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Confucius- Kung Fu Tzu
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Kong Fu Tzu

• Born in 551 B.C.E.
• died in 479 B.C.E.

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Kong Fu Tzu

• Born in 551B.C.E. to an aristocratic but poor
  family.
• Confucius died in 479 B. C. E.
• Confucius became involved in government early in
  life. His challenging thoughts on human behavior
  led to his dismissal.
• Confucius focused on teaching instead in order to
  change young men before they became leaders.

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Confucianism and Social Activism

• Confucius saw many injustices in China, which was
  governed by warlords who frequently fought
  against each other, and behaved barbarically.
• The common people and peasants were often victims
  caught in the crossfire. Also, warlords exploited
  the common people they were supposed to protect
  (ex. high taxes)
• Confucius spoke truthfully to any warlord who
  sought his advice about being fair leaders some
  were receptive but did not follow his advice
  others were hostile assassins did attempt to
  kill Confucius

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Time to focus

• What is life truly about?
• For Kong it is about social order, and the
  betterment of society as a whole.
• Do you agree?
• Additionally, society is male dominated as was
  shown to Kung during his early life.
• By the way, the name is a mispronunciation. He
  would never have known the name Confucius.

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3 Schools of Thought that Existed in China during
Confucius Time

• Legalists Stern rule of law and harsh
  punishments (Han Fei Tzu)
• Mohist universal love, even towards enemies.
  (Mozi)
• Taoist cared little about societal improvement
  and believed that the path to human happiness lay
  in the individualistic pursuit of harmony with
  nature. (Lao Tzu)
• Which do you prefer?

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Confucianism

• Confucius believed that teaching and learning was
  the way to improve self, family, and society as
  whole
• Concerned primarily with restoring social
  stability and order
• What is the basis of a stable, unified, and
  enduring social order?
• a system of social and ethical philosophy
• only when character is cultivated are our
  families regulated only when families are
  regulated are states well governed.

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Human Qualities

• What is maturity?
• What is the highest human virtue?
• What is the best way to behave?
• How can one be a cultured person?
• How can one best govern?

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Confucian Virtues

• Tao the Universal Way
• Chun-tzu mature person - this person has such
  abundant virtures that he or she is able to
  contribute to the improvement of society.
• Jen supreme virtue perfect form of
  benevolence - doing ones best to treat others
  the way you would like to be treated.
• Li proper behavior behaving properly given
  the situation at hand.
• Wen a cultured person. Music, poetry, archery,
  calligraphy.
• Te- virtue shown through the power of example.

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Human Relationships

• Self the center of all relationships and is
  constantly changing and growing towards maturity.
• Family each person has a clear sense of place
  and purpose. Good behavior and respect for elders
  are important in the family.
• Government the leader has acquired the moral
  perfectionm needed to lead by the power of
  example.
• Heaven represents the ultimate moral force that
  guides and nurtures humanity.

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Confucian Relationships

• father-child
• ruler-subject
• husband-wife
• elder brother-younger brother
• friend-friend

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True Gentleman?

• How would you define a true gentleman?
• What characteristics would they posses?
• According to Confucius, the True Gentleman was
  supposed to be a moral beacon for the rest of
  society

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True Gentleman continued

• cultivate themselves morally
• show filial piety and loyalty where these are
  due
• cultivate humanity, or benevolence.
• Are you a true gentleman?

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Other Cool Confucius Quotes

• Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig
  two graves.
• Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees
  it.
• Forget injuries, never forget kindness.
• Cultivate the root the branches will take care
  of themselves.

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Questions

• Why was it difficult for Confucius to obtain
  government posts where he could influence Chinese
  life on a larger scale?
• What did you find to be the essential teachings
  of Confucianism?
• What was your favorite Confucius quote and why?
• Do you consider Confucianism a world religion?
  Explain why or why not?