Questions and Answer involving Confucianism

Confucianism Questions and Answer

Confucianism holds that man's predicament is to maintain their original human goodness that is eroded with an individual's effort or contact with an evil environment. Some of the qualities that are held inherently are love, goodness, humanity, and human heartedness, Jen. The manifestation of these qualities is realized by remaining true to oneself. The axiom places an obligation on each individual to observe themselves to remain conscious of their moral constitution. This proposition reflects the role of individual responsibility to oneself before accountability to any other entity. Therefore, man is confronted with the responsibility and accountability to oneself and society, respectively, which necessitates the moral cultivation to preserve or restore humans' birthright towards being the perfect gentleman (Chün-Tzu). The accomplishment or continuous growth towards perfect harmony as an individual involves the embodiment of altruistic traits and humanity. Exercising self-discipline and loving others creates unity in the community and harmonious living. Participation in cultural rituals also enhances the unity among people and strengthens the community. Such rituals arise in different stages of people's lives birth, maturity, marriage, and death.

The human qualities advocated for in Confucianism, righteousness, loyalty, respectfulness, and faithfulness can only be exercised among other community members. Confucius believed that the essence of knowledge is its application in real-life experiences. Therefore, the development of an individual requires the application of the virtues embodied by humanity, such as love and goodness. For the actualization of ren, an individual has to uphold these maxims, "wishing to be established himself, also seeks to establish others; wishing to be enlarged himself, he also seeks to enlarge others" or "what you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others" (Analects 6:30). Therefore, I agree with the Confucian idea that the perfection of an individual can only be accomplished within a community.

My relationship with my friends and family has been the base of my moral development and personality. Growing up, religious friends and family were all religious, and we interacted more often at home or in school. The home and school environment bear a contrast since, at home, one has to be accountable to their family and what is acceptable within the household. However, the school environment calls for individuals to hold themselves accountable and remain true to their goals and reality. Nonetheless, such environments bring on peer pressure and exposure to different cultures and traditions that may compromise an individual's self-discipline. Being an adventurous individual, the relationships I have with my friends from school are important but founded on a different moral constitution compared to the relationships I have with my family that my parents carried. Therefore, this paradox serves as a grounding of self-discipline by being accountable to my friends and family.

The Confucian Analects, "The Master said, 'Enough! I have yet to see anyone who can recognize his errors and bring charges against himself within," holds that the development of self-reflection is a never-ending task, and an individual will find it difficult to hold themselves accountable through and through. This Analect suggests that individuals are aware of the loss of their innate virtues seen and flinched upon. Still, individuals choose to continue compromising themselves to serve particular means for themselves. An individual is inclined to avoid a truthful self-examination rather than face realities that might force them to change their character. The sense of guilt that emerges from falling short of individual responsibilities has led me to avoid critiquing myself on the subject matter but find an explanation that suits the circumstance. Though this might not be admitted to others, I admit them to myself and take the appropriate measures to avoid repeating these mistakes.