Podcast
Questions and Answers
Lao-tzu considered Confucius callow due to differing perspectives on:
Lao-tzu considered Confucius callow due to differing perspectives on:
- the value of moral education for the wealthy.
- the necessity of formal education versus self-study.
- the importance of governmental roles in society.
- the significance of spiritual versus secular matters. (correct)
Confucius's concept of li addressed which fundamental problem in Chinese society during his time?
Confucius's concept of li addressed which fundamental problem in Chinese society during his time?
- The lack of standardized currency and trade regulations.
- The corruption and inefficiency of the education system.
- The dominance of spiritual leaders over governmental affairs.
- The absence of moral guidance within families and government. (correct)
Why might Confucius have considered it pointless to speculate about the mystery of death?
Why might Confucius have considered it pointless to speculate about the mystery of death?
- He thought such discussions should be reserved for spiritual leaders like Lao-tzu.
- He was primarily concerned with addressing immediate political problems.
- He believed that only the wealthy had the capacity to understand such complex issues.
- He felt mastering the meaning of life was a prerequisite. (correct)
What was the most significant factor that enabled Confucius to open his own school?
What was the most significant factor that enabled Confucius to open his own school?
What was the primary reason for Confucius's dismissal from his position as a minister of justice?
What was the primary reason for Confucius's dismissal from his position as a minister of justice?
Besides the ambition to educate, what action best illustrates Confucius's commitment to social mobility and equity?
Besides the ambition to educate, what action best illustrates Confucius's commitment to social mobility and equity?
Which societal condition did Confucius believe was most essential for civilization?
Which societal condition did Confucius believe was most essential for civilization?
What can be inferred from Confucius's thirteen years of travel after his dismissal?
What can be inferred from Confucius's thirteen years of travel after his dismissal?
Which statement contrasts with the principle that 'lack of money was no impediment' to learning under Confucius?
Which statement contrasts with the principle that 'lack of money was no impediment' to learning under Confucius?
Why do the lessons of Confucius endure centuries after his death?
Why do the lessons of Confucius endure centuries after his death?
Flashcards
The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule
Treat others as you would have them treat you.
Who was Confucius?
Who was Confucius?
A scholar, born in 551 BCE, who emphasized learning, moral character, and government service.
What was the only requirement for attending Confucius' school?
What was the only requirement for attending Confucius' school?
A willingness to learn
Who was Lao-tzu?
Who was Lao-tzu?
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What is 'li'?
What is 'li'?
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What did Confucius do as a minister of justice?
What did Confucius do as a minister of justice?
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What was the main theme of Confucius's teachings?
What was the main theme of Confucius's teachings?
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What did one of Confucius' contemporaries say?
What did one of Confucius' contemporaries say?
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Study Notes
- Educators whose lessons are remembered centuries after death are considered the greatest
- Confucius stands high among this select group
Confucius
- The first to teach The Golden Rule
- Born into an impoverished noble family in 551 BCE in Shantung
- His father died when he was three
- He worked to support himself and his widowed mother.
- Became a reader and scholar due to lack of access to formal education
- He opened his own school and taught students who were willing to learn
- He required wealthier parents to pay for the education of the poorer students
- Many students held government positions and he gained a reputation as a moral character
- His virtues were extolled by almost all who knew him
Lao-Tzu
- His writings are second only to those of Confucius in their impact on China
- Met Confucius when he was in his early thirties
- More than fifty years senior to Confucius
- Founder of the religion of Taoism
- Focused on spiritual matters
- Thought Confucius was callow
- Confucius focused on secular matters
- Confucius declined to speculate on the meaning of life or the mystery of death
Confucius' Teachings
- Concerned with practical questions on how to achieve good government and conduct relations
- Believed the answer was Li, translated as "good manners"
- Those in authority must show respect to those beneath them
- His ideas were appropriate for his time because China lacked a strong central government
- Despotic warlords ruled China
- Their constant strife and vice brought disorder and misery
- A contemporary said "The world had fallen into decay, and right principles had disappeared.”
- Became minister of justice in Lu due to his ties with former students
- Showed himself to be a sagacious administrator
- Practiced Li and encouraged others to do the same
- He helped restore order, eliminate crime, and give the people of Lu a period of peace
- The ruler of Lu grew indolent and wanted to return to the old ways
- Confucius' influence waned and he was dismissed after four years
- Spent thirteen years traveling throughout China to find a ruler who would accept his guidance without success
- He never became cynical
- Although Confucius did not write down his principles, his followers did
- These deal with conduct based on moral character and inner goodness
- Three thousand principles of Confucius survived and became the basis of Chinese education for over two thousand years
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