Cardinal Confucian virtue of goodness
In my opinion, the best description of the meaning of the cardinal Confucian virtue of Goodness is stated on page number 3, in book one. Under section 1.2 where the Master states “A young person who is filial and respectful of his elders rarely becomes the kind of person who is inclined to defy his superiors, and there has never been a case of one who is disinclined to defy his superiors stirring up rebellion. The gentleman applies himself to the roots. ‘Once the roots are firmly established, the way will grow’. Might we not say that filial piety and respect for elders constitute the root of goodness?” I believe this section of the readings is the greatest depiction of the cardinal Confucian virtue of Goodness for a few reasons. First, I believe a man who shows respect to not only his elders, but others in public as well, will then receive that respect back from others. Getting respect back from others will lead to a feeling of goodness. I strongly believe that the feeling of goodness is addictive, and once someone does a good deed for another man or woman, he or she will feel a sense of respect for himself or herself. My main belief in life is respecting others, but you also have to respect yourself. If any man or woman is able to maintain that continuous cycle of respecting others while also respecting themselves, then I believe that person is destined for a long life full of happiness. Another reason I believe this section of the reading is the most honest and genuine way to describe the cardinal Confucian virtue of Goodness is because in my personal opinion, karma has a prevalent effect on everyone’s lives. I believe that if you do good things for others, then good things will happen to you. I think karma can mean different things to different people, but to me, that is the best way to portray it due to the direct association I made with it going through the readings the very first time. If someone can manage to create what they personally perceive to be “good