INTERVIEW WITH
CONFUCIUS
…BY A FAIRLY CLUELESS REPORTER
WRITTEN BORROWING HEAVILY FROM:
BENTLEY, JERRY H. AND HERBERT F. ZIEGLER. TRADITIONS AND
ENCOUNTERS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE PAST. BOSTON:
MCGRAW HILL. 2008.
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Subject will obey ruler, or worker will obey boss
Child will obey parent
Wife will obey husband and mother-in-law
Younger children will obey older siblings
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.