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Why is Confucius still relevant today? His sound bites hold up.

The Chinese philosopher still affects the lives of nearly a quarter of humanity.

HE WAS HAILED after his death as "The Uncrowned King", a philosopher whose sound bites of wisdom became
China's handbook on government and its code of personal morality for thousand of years. But little is known
about Confucius, and what is known is full of contradiction and myth.

Speaking from Washington, DC during a break on his book tour, Michael Schuman, author of 'Confucius and
A the world he created," teases out fact from fiction; explains why he had to take bowling lessons before his
wedding; and tells us why the influence of a scholar who died nearly 3,000 years ago
is still felt in the boardrooms, bedrooms, and classroom of nearly a quarter of humanity.

You say Mao's red guards dubbed Confucius "The number one hooligan old Kong." But today is being ardently
embraced by the communist party. What's going on?



The communist Party has realised Confucius might be useful for them again. But the version of Confucius they
use isn't the same as the one in The Analects, his most famous collections of ideas and sayings. Beijing focuses on the imperial Confucius who was all about obedience to the emperor, hierarchy, and loyalty.

Fast forward to today. The Communist Party has overseen an incredible surge of wealth in China in the past 35 years through old-fashioned capitalism. Marxist rhetoric of the Mao years doesn't fit anymore. So they went scouring about for a new ideology to justify their government.

And they have come back to Confucius, for many of the same reasons the old emperor did. His is a political
tradition that is uniquely Chinese and can support their type of authoritarian rule. At the same time, it can be used to fend off all those awful ideas they don't want from the West, like democracy and human rights.

By reviving Confucius, they are making the case that China has its own political culture based on its own
political culture based on its and philosophical history. China therefore does not have to head towards democracy in the way that Western advocates would like to see happen. It can have a political future based on what it sees as its philosophical past.




Simon Worrall-National Geographic

Thanks for that illuminating post Hope. The nines embedded in the Confucian school of thought are eminently in keeping with this place of learning and its staple power number 9 (in its bright-light form) for the greater good of humankind.

Number of Confucianism followers in the world: 0.09% (6.111 million people 6+1+1+1=9).

Confucianism is an East Asian school of ethical, philosophical, and (significantly more contentious as an adverb) religious thought originally developed from the teachings of the early Chinese sage Confucius (551 - 479 B.C. [a lifespan of 72 years 7+2=9). As a school of thought, it's primary foci are on morality, interpersonal ethics and the cultivation of the civility, the latter is believed to contribute to the establishment and sustentation of a harmonious and well-ordered society. Those who studied and still study, practiced and still practice Confucianism had/have the objective of creating harmonious relationships that would/will result in greater peace in their countries. There is the view that should be considered as the state religion of some East Asian countries, because of governmental promotion of Confucian philosophies. Certainly strong elements of Confucianism, persist in many Asian cultures despite the fact it is no longer widely practiced. Should the mooted resurgence Confucian philosophies in Chinese society gain major traction as a result of Chinese governmental encouragement, then it should be considered a step forward for humankind.

There are 9 powerful primary lessons based within Confucius' wider teachings:



1) Keep going.
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

As long as you are moving forward, no matter how slowly, you will eventually achieve your goals. The main point should be to improve and be consistent with your hard work. Stay committed.

2) Relationships matter
“Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.”
Ensure your friends have values you admire and encourage you to improve yourself, but do not disregard the balancing values inherent to number 8 for 2 is closely connected.

3) Good things come at a price.
“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.”

It is easy to hate, take the negative stance and make excuses. Understanding is that what takes real courage is having the capacity for forgiveness, love and putting in the maximum effort to achieve this.

4) Sharpen your tools first.
“The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.”

Confucius said, “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” Whatever you are called upon to do, if you are to succeed, you must first be prepared.

5) To be wronged is nothing.
“To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.”

To be wronged is no offence. In fact, it may be the best way to improve yourself and change your perspective on life. Don’t let the past occupy your thoughts.

6) Consider the consequences.
“When anger rises, think of the consequences.” Solomon said, “He that is slow to anger is greater than the mighty.”

Always remember to keep your temper in check and to consider the consequences.

7) Make Adjustments
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”

Monitor your progress to make sure you’re moving forward. Obstacles will come, so ensure you retain flexibility to be able to pivot in the right direction.

You can learn from everyone
“If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”

Everyone has been through hardships and different life experiences. We all have a story to tell. Keep that in mind whenever you’re speaking to anyone be prepared to take time to listen.

9) All or none.
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Try your best, as the only way you’ll get the most out of life.

Hi mate,.. this is fantastic,. Just a quick skim through and profound super simple rules to live well.
Thank you for sharing.
I’ll enjoy reading this in full later
Namaste