Confucius ( type of is for Literature) - Essay Example

When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them” (Confucius, The Analects, part He acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions” (Confucius, The Analects, part 1).From these passages from ‘The Analects’ I am reminded of how a person should live his life. Nobody is perfect as the cliché goes. It is sometimes the worst things in us that we have the most difficulty of abandoning. We grow so accustom to these faults that they become second nature. There are even times when they take on a form that they almost define a huge part of who we are.

To me, this is what he meant when he said that doing away with it must be feared. When we see drastic change in people, we are not always automatically convinced. But by believing in myself I have slowly changed from going through a somewhat rebellious stage when I was younger.This also coincides with showing actual change and not merely claiming. To talk is one thing but be that change that you are aiming for is another. Actions always speak louder than words. I have come to realize that people are more akin to trusting you if they see that you are working.

When one has the gift of gab, people are immediately drawn to him. But sooner or later if words are not accompanied with actions then they will see right through you. Contemplation is imperative in everything that we do.“When one cultivates to the utmost the principles of his nature, and exercises them on the principle of reciprocity, he is not far from the path. What you do not like when done to yourself, do not do to others” (Confucius, The Doctrine of the Mean, par. 29). This is no less than the golden rule.

There is no doubt that this proves true in our lives. The penchant for empathy is an integral human nature that must not be dispensed with. I do not steal because I do not want to be stolen from. I know how valuable possession is for a person as I especially value my own. Even for things as simple as getting in line this is true. We all have been victims of others who have no regard and cut through a line which is why I do not do the same.“It never has been the case that what was of great importance has been slightly cared for, and, at the same time, that what was of slight importance has been greatly cared for” (Confucius, The Great Learning, par. 7). If you truly value one thing then you will pay much attention to nurture it.

The same reins true for our endeavors. At the moment, the most important part of my life is my studies. I work hard to attend to all of my subjects so that I will not receive a failing grade. Although there are times that I falter, I am not easily deterred and I continue on. Because I know that this will be something of great importance for me in the future and care must be taken to achieve education.“What is meant by ‘making the thoughts sincere.’ is the allowing no self-deception, as when we hate a bad smell, and as when we love what is beautiful.

This is called self-enjoyment.” (Confucius, The Great Learning, par. 22). Beauty truly is a cause for enjoyment. There are times when I feel so down or anxious about things going on in my life and I only have to realize the gift that I am given. Having all the faculties that renders me normal in the simplest understanding of the word gives me joy. Being given opportunities is also cause for happiness. This is even more beautiful because I know that I am not trampling on anyone.Confucius tells us that the Chinese have had a long history and tradition for the love of virtue.

He has shown through his compositions that they value education and the poetry is an integral part of their society. They follow strict adherence to providing balance into the service of the people. They are not barbaric and they actually have a system of educating future leaders of the country and the conduct of the people in their everyday lives. BibliographyConfucius. "The Analects." Classics Archive. 3 November 2010 .—. "The Doctrine of the Mean." Classics Archive. 3 November 2010 .—.

"The Great Learning." Classics Archive. 3 November 2010 .