Preview

Confucius Counseling Of The Duke Ai Analysis

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
877 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Confucius Counseling Of The Duke Ai Analysis
A multitude of components factor into making a strong leader or government, some more valuable than others. Throughout history, there have been many great governments and leaders, although they all had different characteristics that made them so proficient. Many of these people ruled through violence and fear, although the most powerful of them used more harmonious means of leadership. “Confucius Counsels the Duke Ai on Government”, “Cyrus the Great and Religious Toleration”, and Thucydides’ “Funeral Oration of Pericles” are examples that rulers who value peace and kindness towards their subjects are the greatest and strongest. The governments and leaders in the ancient world who possessed the qualities of tolerance, peace, and generosity created …show more content…
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher born in 551 B.C.E. (Voyages, 73). The school of thought named Confucianism is based on his teachings and philosophies (Voyages, 73). His teaching’s main focus was on the importance of peace and ritual (Voyages, 73). He offered his wisdom to many important people of his time, including the Duke Ai. While conferring with the Duke Ai, Confucius gives him advice concerning ruling over his people and how to become a better leader. He tells the Duke Ai that a great ruler must prize benevolence and not encourage violence and discourse ("Confucius Counsels the Duke Ai on Government." CourseReader, Gale, 530). Confucius also tells the Duke Ai of the importance of valuing men with talents and artisans and the need to be kind and considerate to his people and to treat them with respect ("Confucius Counsels the Duke Ai on Government." CourseReader, Gale, 530). Confucius’ advice emphasizes the significance of leaders to value their people and treat them with kindness to become more efficient leaders. Throughout history, there have been many strong and mighty societies and empires, although all of these governments and leaders have ruled over their states differently. The most successful of these societies were the ones that chose to rule through benevolence and tolerance. The documents recorded in “Cyrus the Great and Religious Toleration” and “Confucius Counsels the Duke Ai on Government” show that societies such as the Persian Empire and the Zhou Dynasty in China did not rely on terror and violence to rule the subjects, but rather through generosity and

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    How does a civilization attain the most effective leadership? More importantly what is considered effective leadership and who developed the theories surrounding it? These questions are debated through the ages of postmodern and modern civilization. Bass (1974) wrote that, "from its infancy, the study of history has been the study of leaders" (Wren, 1995, p. 50). Four of the godfathers of what is considered modern leadership theory are Plato, Aristotle, Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli. Over the course of this analysis, the leadership theories of each of these titans will be evaluated. Each view contains commonalities and disparities which offer conflicting perspectives on the complex topic of leadership throughout the ages of modern society. The goal is to broaden these views with critical evaluation, vetted scholarly sources and well-reasoned judgments. The conclusion arrived at will offer heighten awareness at the age old highly debated question; what is effective leadership?…

    • 1133 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucius was born in 51 BC and grew up in poverty. His real name is Kong Zi, the name Confucius, catholic priests finding it easier to use, gave it to him. The causes were that, Confucius said, and wrote in his books, that the past was better than the present. Emperor Qin didn’t like his teachings and burned all his books but that didn’t stop Confucius’s ideas. He said that an Emperor should listen to his people and make them happy. He believed that the Emperor had broken the ways of haven and the soil would not be plentiful and crop would not grow. He said that they should have a good emperor, an emperor that follows the ways of heaven, and that they need a better emperor, one who could be trusted by the people and come from a powerful family. That emperor was Liu Bang, who made the country peaceful again and built schools for the ways of Confucius. Confucius said that people should find happiness in life and find the right way to live in life. He taught people about peace and said that educated people acted and were better than uneducated people. He said, “In a Chinese family, the child should give the parents a constant love and obedience. In return, the parents should give the child a constant love and protection. The Consequences were that China improved and became a more civilized civilization. Confucius’s ways are still being taught today.…

    • 701 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The First Emperor of China and Rome’s Augustus Caesar both helped shape their kingdoms into great empires, but their tactics in doing so are every different. The First emperor of China took a more direct approach to his leadership. He concurred all the land around him and changed many laws to restrict his citizens from freedoms. Augustus Caesar was considered a peoples person and often attended live shows and plays. He believed that thru peace and harmony his country would be able to thrive. These great leaders both achieved dominance and power throughout their leadership but only one of them died as a hero while the other died as a hated man. In this paper I will compare and contrast the ways these leaders shaped their countries and the effect it had on the way their people viewed them.…

    • 887 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Life experience, culture, language, time of living and many other factors affected Lao Tzu’s and Niccolò Machiavelli’s views on how an ideal leader ought to govern a country. These views, expressed in their texts, reflected on how these writers perceived the fellow men. Lao Tzu is a Chinese philosopher and founder of Daoism. He is the author of a philosophical document called “Tao-te Ching”. Niccoló Machiavelli, is a 15th century aristocrat and a writer, mostly famous for his political treatise, “The Prince”. This essay will attempt to analyze both authors’ views on human nature and the way these views affected the types of government supported.…

    • 987 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism, developed by the philosopher Confucius, during times of conflict in early B.C, soon became the dominating belief system in China. Confucianism was based on mutual relationships; husband to wife, father to son, leader to subjects. Social harmony could be achieved through respect for the elders, as well as respect and kindness for those people lower in social rank. This applied to the politics of China because it set the basis for the belief of obedience to the emperor, as long as the emperor treated his subjects kindly, and with respect. The idea of Filial Piety was humility towards one superior. Because of this, in China, leaders and elders were in the highest regard.…

    • 577 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Crap it all

    • 4302 Words
    • 18 Pages

    Confucian ideology and legitimate rule a. Importance of people’s welfare b. Civilize locals and support elites c. Confucian ideals became imperial doctrine i. No more rule by fear 6.…

    • 4302 Words
    • 18 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Those who assume the subordinate role must present to their superiors respect and obedience. Fathers of the household are as the ruler of the kingdom in that they are supposedly owed reverence. Superior beings should demonstrate admirable actions as they should be role models to their inferiors, so thought Confucius. Confucianism also states subordinates should give respect to superiors, even when respect is not warranted; they are expected to “stay in their lane” so to speak. Confucian ethics emphasize the importance of a courteous and humble ruler, as the people would surely emulate such characteristics. It was primarily the ruling class who practiced Confucian…

    • 866 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Leaders are everywhere in our world. They constantly surround us and tell us what to do. Leaders have shaped our history and are constantly shaping our future. Some excellent examples of good leaders are Adolf Hitler and Julius Caesar. We might not agree with some of the policies that Hitler performed, however, we can conclude that his excellent leadership skills allowed him to effectively govern about 69 million citizens. Caesar’s quick and decisive personality granted Caesar the title, Dictator, of the Roman Empire. Under Caesar’s rule, the Roman Empire vastly expanded its borders through military annexations. But, with all things foretold, what designates someone the power to lead people? There are several factors that bring about a good leader. The three main factors incorporate communication, confidence, and commitment. Anybody that decides to encompass these factors, will not only be a good leader, but they will also be an effective and a revolutionary leader.…

    • 600 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    At the core of its beliefs was Confucianism. The philosopher Confucius (551-479 BCE) came from a noble but poor family, and as he grew older he developed strong beliefs about society (Darlington, Smithies and Wood, 2012). He taught that family was the basic building block of society and that it was the duty of the ruler to behave like a father to his people. He also believed each person should adopt and live by certain moral values, such as that people should respect and obey their parents, and rulers should be chosen because of…

    • 1181 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    china

    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Confucian system was based on the teachings of Confucius. Confucius spread ideas about political virtue and good government. He was not a religious leader which shifted Chinese values. He emphasized the importance of personal virtue. He believed that if people were taught that they would find a reverence for tradition and a solid political life. Confucius set out to rectify political disorder. He emphasized individual virtuous behavior. He thought that whatever a ruler did, his people would imitate and follow. The people will imitate the ruler’s self control. Confucius set up levels of authority stressing personal restraints and careful socialization of children. Rival Chinese schools are the thoughts and teachings of different philosophers that had different ideas that went against each other, such as Confucianism and Daoism.…

    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism started as the compilation of the teachings of a single low level official known as Kong Fuzi. Confucianism was developed as a way for government to rule the largely small, city state like kingdoms during the Warring states era. Due to its backgrounds and the reason as to why Confucianism was produced, the religion idea stresses more on the politics and ethics, instead of religion and the theoretical world since focusing on such things would simply be a waste of time and energy that could be spent on more productive jobs. Likewise, Confucianism also promotes a semi-merritous way to gain offices. “Superior individuals”, known as Junzi, can have a say in how to run the state. Additionally, Confucianism also insists on the studying of the ancient Zhou Dynasty texts that not only were used for tools in government, it also became widespread as a teaching device.…

    • 426 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    He thought of many rules and even a version of the golden rule saying, "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." (The World Book Encyclopedia – 2004 – World book, Inc. – Chicago IL. – Volume 4) Many consider Confucianism as a religion, but it has no clergy and doesn't involve any type of worship. It is more of a guide to mortality and good government. Confucianism originated about 500 BC, and from 100's BC to the 1900's AD Confucianism was the most important single force in Chinese life. This religion influenced education, government, personal behavior, and the individuals' duty to society. Confucianism started because of a philosopher named Confucius, born about 551BC. He believed his society could be saved if it emphasized sincerity in personal and public conduct. The Confucian's believed the key to orderly social life was gentlemen. Confucius believed they were rulers. He wasn't very well known when he came to his death. It was his followers that spread his ideas, Mencius, (390?-305? BC) and there was Xunzi (mid 200s BC). Mencius believed that you were to be born good and he stressed the need to preserve "the natural compassion of the heart" that makes people human. He also emphasized the past as an ideal age and a model for examining present problems. And Xunzi believed "people could be good and live together peacefully only if their minds were shaped by education and clear rules of conduct". (The World Book Encyclopedia – 2004 – World book, Inc. – Chicago IL. – Volume…

    • 812 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism Dbq Essay

    • 800 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Confucius believed that a peaceful society occurred “when all people acted properly based on their roles with others” (Source #1.) To add on, he believed that people should respect and obey those above them. One of Confucius’s goals was “to bring people to a virtuous way of life” (Source #2.) In other words, Confucius didn’t believe in using military power or punishments per Source #4. However, his philosophy does take some actions and doesn’t just let things be. Per Source #3, Confucius said, “People need to treat each other as they would like to be treated.” Using Confucianism would not only inspire students to act properly, but chances are, everyone would be kinder to one another if they used the treat others how you wish to be treated saying in all their actions. Also, students who do a small wrong deed won’t be severely punished, but some action will be taken, just enough to tell the student to stop. To wrap up, Confucianism is the middle pathway to run a…

    • 800 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Confucianism is a religion based on peace and equality. It centers on worshipping ancestors, it is the respect of deceased ancestors whose spirits are believed to control the opulence of others. Filial piety is also another trait that Confucianism centers on, which is the faithfulness to respect the elders of the family by the younger members. Confucianism has 6 main primary principles which is the golden rule, the gentlemanly man of virtue, the proper playing of society’s role, the power of virtue, the ideal standards of conduct, and peaceful arts. Confucius founded Confucianism. Confucius referred to himself as an examiner who deliberately tried to claim the meaning of the past by breathing vitality into seemingly outmoded…

    • 117 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    World Religion

    • 435 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Confucianism has a core of morality, ethics, and activism. It encourages social harmony and mutual respect. Confucianists sought to perfect their character by living a virtuous life and seeking goodness. They valued ethics, respect for elders, and propriety. Confucius, the originator of Confucian thought, believed political order would be found by the proper ordering of human relationships, and so did not bother himself with the structure of the state. He stressed that a good government must fill their positions with well-educated and conscientious people, called Junzi. Confucius was followed by his disciples Mencius and Xunzi. They also possessed the same optimism that humans could improve themselves to perfection.…

    • 435 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays