… BY A FA I R LY C LU E L E SS R E P O RT E R

W R I T T E N B O R R O W I N G H E A V I L Y F R O M :B E N T L E Y , J E R R Y H . A N D H E R B E R T F . Z I E G L E R . T R A D I T I O N S A N D

E N C O U N T E R S : A G L O B A L P E R S P E C T I V E O N T H E P A S T . B O S T O N : M C G R A W H I L L . 2 0 0 8 .

INTERVIEW WITH CONFUCIUS

So…uhh…who are you?

So…uhh…who are you?

Actually, no one of real importance. My real name is Kong Fuzi (“Master Kong the Sage”). I’m not known for being particularly nice, and I never reached my ambition of getting a high position in my home state of Lu during the terrible Period of the Warring States around 500 bce. However, I was a trusted political advisor, and people seemed to really like my book of sayings called the Analects.

Are your beliefs a religion or a philosophy?

Are your beliefs a religion or a philosophy?

Neither—at least not in your sense of the word. There is no point to sitting around and discussing philosophy since that does not solve problems like the misery of the Period of the Warring States. Nor is it wise to discuss the nature of God or the heavens since these answers are far beyond human intelligence.

Well, if philosophy and religion are not important, then what is?

Well, if philosophy and religion are not important, then what is?

Good government is important, and we Chinese are getting far too little of it in this Period of Warring States. The structure of government is not important, but good government will never arrive until good people are in control. We Chinese need to create and be led by “Junzi” – superior individuals who think only of serving humanity and not serving only themselves.

And what causes people to become both selfish and bad?

And what causes people to become both selfish and bad?

The true enemy is interpersonal conflict. Selfishness, poor public behavior, and putting personal desires over family and society’s needs brings about bad societies. Interpersonal harmony is needed. After all, a chorus sounds terrible when all members are singing a different song.

Let’s get back to those “Junzi”. How do we create them?

Let’s get back to those “Junzi”. How do we create them?

We need to look back on happier times in Chinese History. Studying poetry from the ancient dynasties that ruled well before this cursed Period of the Warring States, leaders can learn how to act properly and how to understand human nature. These scholars will become our leaders. It is they who will rule with moral integrity, make wise and fair judgments, and bring us into a better age.

OK, but how will these Junzi take power from the selfish and brutal leaders ?

OK, but how will these Junzi take power from the selfish and brutal leaders ?

Those with the traits of a Junzi will “gain influence in the larger society. Those who disciplined themselves and properly molded their characters would…lead by example.” (Bentley and Ziegler 185) In other words, people are desperate for good leaders and will want to follow them. The brutal and selfish leaders cannot lead if the people do not follow.

Yeah, if you say so. But what, exactly are these “traits” a Junzi should develop?

Yeah, if you say so. But what, exactly are these “traits” a Junzi should develop?

There are three:

The first is Ren: 仁Kindness and giving towards others with what is best for humanity as the basis of all decisions. A person possessing Ren is “courteous, respectful, diligent, and loyal.” (Bentley and Ziegler 184).

And the second…?

And the second…?

The second is Li: 禮

This involves proper behavior at all times. People must always act according to the rules of society, always be courteous and polite, and show special respect and obedience for their elders.

And the third…

And the third…

The third is Xiao, “filial piety”: 孝This means knowing and respecting one’s role in his or her family. Children must obey and give proper respect to parents, grandparents, anyone older, and even the wishes and honor of one’s departed ancestors. One must not bring shame to them. It also means children will take care of their parents in old age and work to support the family.

Wait, Confucianism is all about obedience?

Wait, Confucianism is all about obedience?

Very much so….

I see five major human relationships that should be governed by li, or propriety.  Those relationships are:

1.      Subject will obey ruler, or worker will obey boss2.      Child will obey parent3.      Wife will obey husband and mother-in-law4.      Younger children will obey older siblings5.      Juniors will obey their elders

That stinks! I don’t want to take orders from my parents and my idiot older brother! Why should I do this?

That stinks! I don’t want to take orders from my parents and my idiot older brother! Why should I do this?

Ahhh, but you forget that anyone worth obeying will be acting with Ren. Think about “reciprocity”:

Your boss will be kind and wise, and treat you well,Your parents and older siblings are looking out for you,Remembering what your ancestors would think and defending the family name will keep you acting morally,Kindness, humility, respect, and good behavior are what we want to see from others.

Why would it be wrong to obey someone who is right?Obedience eliminates the conflict and petty fights that make us so miserable.

Such “Junzi” are people worth obeying. They know and will want what is best for both you and society. We must create them, follow them, and obey them. This is humanity’s best hope, for acting selfishly has brought the world to ruin.