Confucius was an outstanding thinker, educator, and philosopher. He believed that a superior man is threefold. First of all, the ideal person is virtuous and free from anxieties. Second, he is wise and free from perplexities. Third of all, he is bold and fearless. Morality was the most important subject for Confucius. He stated that the ideal person was one who learns to live their life within the parameters established by heaven. Confucius believed that the ideal person should follow five basic concepts or virtues. The first of these is Ren, or compassion. Ren is considered to be the highest virtue on Confucianism. Ren has to do with human-heartedness and compassion for others. It represents the ideal relationship among humans. The next concept is Li. Li is the ritualistic means by which humanity’s potential is achieved. Confucius believed that Li was the principle that kings embodied the laws of heaven and the regulated expression of human nature. It is a code of conduct. Li also refers to well defined relationships with love for others, loyalty among friends, and respect and benevolence for rulers. Li involves moral discipline. The third concept is Xiao. Xiao refers to respect for the family and reverence for parents because life comes from them. Honoring the parents can be shown by protecting one’s body since it was given to him by his parent’s. Xiao becomes a more and social virtue outside the home. Children learn to love their brothers and sisters and respect their parents. The fourth virtue is Shu which refers to being mindful of how one’s actions will affect others. A person is obligated to treat others the exact way he wishes to be treated. He or she should take precaution not to cause harm or hurt to others by their
