The Analects of Confucius
The theme of benevolence is the core theme throughout the Analects. Benevolence is defined as the desire to do well to others, or to perform kind, charitable acts. Benevolence has three levels: personal, social and political. By reflecting on one’s faults and words, one can bring themselves to eventual improvement and make the development of character and virtue possible. The reflection of one’s self is being personally benevolent. To be socially benevolent is to be benevolent with family and friends, such as following the filial piety. To be politically benevolent is to make one worthy of governing a nation. A man who is unsuccessful at being benevolent is unworthy. Confucius states, “Wealth and rank attained through immoral means have as much to do with me as passing clouds. (VII, 16, 88)”
Within the Analects, it states “When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self. (IV, 17, 74)” This quote shows that you always need to work and reflect on yourself, which is considered personal benevolence. There is always a need to better yourself, because no one in the world is perfect. We all have our own flaws, but we tend to point out the flaws in others, rather than point out flaws in ourselves. Confucius also stated, “Wealth and high station are what men desire but unless I got them in the right way I would not remain in them. Poverty and low station are what men dislike, but even if I did not get them in the right way I would not try to escape from them. (IV, 5, 72)” We have to be true with ourselves and get things that we desire truthfully and honestly. If we do not get those things honestly, then we as humans are unworthy of our lives. That is why when people steal from others, they go to jail and get fined. You have to work for what you want and get it honestly, instead of stealing from others who have worked hard for what they got.
Within the Analects, it states “When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self. (IV, 17, 74)” This quote shows that you always need to work and reflect on yourself, which is considered personal benevolence. There is always a need to better yourself, because no one in the world is perfect. We all have our own flaws, but we tend to point out the flaws in others, rather than point out flaws in ourselves. Confucius also stated, “Wealth and high station are what men desire but unless I got them in the right way I would not remain in them. Poverty and low station are what men dislike, but even if I did not get them in the right way I would not try to escape from them. (IV, 5, 72)” We have to be true with ourselves and get things that we desire truthfully and honestly. If we do not get those things honestly, then we as humans are unworthy of our lives. That is why when people steal from others, they go to jail and get fined. You have to work for what you want and get it honestly, instead of stealing from others who have worked hard for what they got.
Cited: Confucius, and D. C. Lau. The Analects (Lun Yü). Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1979. Print.