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Confucius' world was made of elegant court ceremonies,
with dance and music. He believed that if a set of rules of courtesy
(called "ritual" LI) were respected in society, relationships would become
harmonious. But it also involved an inner awareness of the needs
of others ("humanity" REN). Confucius stated
the golden rule 400 years before the Bible: "What you do not
wish for yourself, do not impose on others." (Analects 12:2).
And he had a sense of humor too:
"The Governor of
She asked about Confucius. Zilu did not reply. The Master said:
'Why did you not say: He is the sort of man who, in his enthusiasm,
forgets to eat, in his joy forgets to worry, and who ignores the
approach of old age?" (7:19). |