September 9, 2015

English 2111 World Literature I

Confucius: The Analects
A person must possess a great level of influence for people to live by their teachings,
centuries after their death. As a Chinese teacher and philosopher, Confucius also inspired Korea,
Japan, and Vietnam. He had a vision that would enable people to live morally, ethically, and fair.
The written teachings of Confucius are a direct guide to a reconstructed society. In reading
sections of The Analects, you will learn a variety of lessons regarding obedience, appreciation,
and fulfillment.
Confucius believed in order within society through goodness, ritual, and attention to
social roles. Within the Chinese culture parents place very high expectations on their childrens
levels of achievement. Confucius taught his followers (filial piety) to honor their parents and
elders. The following analect is an example of how to recognize a child who respects and adheres
to the guidance provided by his father:
The Master said: When the father is alive, watch the sons aspirations. When the father is
dead, watch the sons actions. If three years later, the son has not veered from the fathers
way, he may be called a dutiful son indeed. (1.11)
This is an example of how Confucius expected people to be. If a child follows the orders and
instructions for provided by his father the cycle of obedience will continue for generations.
From time to time, people tend to want things that they dont have and be people that
they are not. Confucius taught his followers to appreciate what they have and who they are and
refrain from wanting what they see others with. He believed in peace and harmony and to live

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happily. Understanding that money and possessions dont determine happiness is a lesson
expressed in the analect listed below.
The Master said: Even though you have only coarse grain for food, water for drink, and your
bent arm for a pillow, you may still be happy. Riches and honors without justice are to me as
fleeting clouds. (7.16)
There isnt a problem with wanting more and getting it the right way. To appreciate who you are
as an individual and what you already possess is to have respect for yourself and your
belongings. Confucius wanted people to know that things could be worse, so enjoy your
blessings as they come about. Everything isnt meant for everyone.
The consequences of making positive choices are much easier to accept than the
consequences of poor decision making. There is a reward for doing well and a penalty for the
undesirable. Confucius, himself possessed the ability to match his natural desires with the social
norms without contradicting his vision. As he stated below, he lived and enjoyed his life without
overstepping the boundaries of good and evil.
The Master said: At fifteen, I set my mind upon learning. At thirty, I took my stand. At forty,
I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the will of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was attuned. At seventy, I
follow all the desires of my heart without breaking any rule. (2.4)
Confucius is undoubtedly one of the most influential people to ever have lived. His vision
was always surrounding love, respect, and obedience. His desire and determination to establish a
society that can appreciate the same values and ideas is still a work in progress, even 2500 years
after his death. The Analects left behind by Confucius are a great tool for life for all humanity.

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Works Cited
Puchner, Martin. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Third ed. Vol. A. New York: W.W.
Norton, 2012. 1335-1338. Print.