1st paper- Social influences of the analects and Confucianism in the modern world
Confucius and his teachings had contributed a lot to the Chinese philosophy and shaped the Chinese culture and society remarkably, especially in education and how people should behave themselves. With guidelines telling people what is acceptable, how to act like a nobleman and what is unethical, Confucianism shaped modern social norms in China, and its impact is also spreading to other countries that are beginning to practice Confucianism.
The Analects was composed by Confucius’s student after his death to pass on his great teachings and completed in the Warring States period. It contained fundamental ideas and beliefs of Confucianism; across dynasties and generations, people have been implementing Confucian thoughts and the sayings from Analects as guidelines to their behaviors. In this paper, we will look at the meanings of several Analects’ passages, how they relate to Confucianism and what are their social significance to descendants.
Perhaps one of the most famous sections from the Analects, the following saying from Analects of Confucius Book 1(Xue Er), verse 1 told us a little bit about how he thought about learning and how people should behave in certain circumstances:
The Master said, "Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters? Is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may take no note of him?" (Legge, book 1)
This quotation appeared in the very first section in the Analects. It showed how Confucius emphasized the importance of learning and applying them in real life. He was tireless in teaching, focused on self-cultivation, and that people should be strict to themselves. This section also brought in the concept of Jun Zi, which is “men of