Valerie Hackett
REL/133
May 14, 2014
Firpo Carr
The Ideal Person
An ideal person through the eyes of Confucius would follow the rules of Heaven and obey Heavens will. Thus by adhering to the rules of Heaven that person would be morally attuned. Confucius believed that ‘aristocracy of merit’ was more valuable than ‘aristocracy of money’, and thus he believed that only the most qualified candidates should get a job, especially in civil service. This is one of the reasons that led him to value education. Confucius also thought that education was important because it led to better character and a better understanding of Heaven. Confucius preferred education and philosophy over military strength as is later reflected in Chinese society where scholars were revered and military personnel treated as out casts. The five Confusion virtues are ren (the virtue of benevolence, charity, and humanity), yi (honesty and uprightness), zhi (knowledge), Xin (the virtue of faithfulness and integrity), and Li (correct behavior, or propriety, good manners, politeness, ceremony, and worship). Ren believed in the Golden Rule. What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. Hi believed in respect for superiors and enacts his role in society in such a way that he himself is worthy of respect and admiration. Shu believed in self analogy, reciprocity, and the Golden Rule. Wen believed in the arts of peace, music, poetry, art, and virtue. Xiao believed in obedience, devotion, respect for one’s parents and elders, and in reaching the state of idealism. According to Confucius; one must understand the need for good moral character and good government. Being of good moral standing gives way to the many concepts of the Daodejing. Confucius believed that if everyone lived this way harmony within ones-self, those who ruled and nature became balanced. Reference
(2010, 07). Ideal Person According to Confucius. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 07,