Unlocking Ancient Wisdom: Applying Confucian Principles in Modern Life

1·6 The Master said, “When a disciple (1) is in (2) his father’s house, he should be filial; when he is out (3) of it, he should be respectful and obedient; he should be careful and trustworthy; he should love all men indiscriminately; he should be friendly with those who are virtuous (6); and if he has any leisure after his duties are done (7), he should devote it to the study of the classics (8).”

[Explanation]

(1) Disciple: generally has two meanings: one is a younger person who is a younger brother or a younger son; the other is a student. Here it is used in the sense of “disciple.”

(2) In: In ancient times, fathers and sons lived in separate residences, and studied in the outer residence. The Book of Rites: “From the scholar above, the father and son are in different palaces.” In refers to entering the father’s residence, or staying at home.

(3) Out: In contrast to “in,” it refers to going out to study from a teacher. Out refers to treating teachers with the same respect as one’s own father, and can also refer to people who are older than oneself.

(4) 谨: Being reserved and modest is called 谨.

(5) □: Pronounced as fàn, it means widely.

(6) 仁: 仁 means benevolent people, people with benevolence.

(7) 行有余力: It means having spare time.

(8) 文: Ancient literature. It mainly includes cultural knowledge such as poetry, books, rites and music.

[Translation]

Confucius said, “When you are with your parents, be filial to them. When you are away from home, be obedient to your teachers. Be careful in your words and deeds. Be honest and trustworthy. Be quiet and reserved. Love everyone. Be close to those who are virtuous. After practicing these things, if you still have time, then study the classics.”

[Analysis]

This chapter mentions the issue of filial piety and fraternal duty again, which was mentioned in Chapter 2 of this book. Confucius asked his disciples to first devote themselves to filial piety, fraternal duty, trustworthiness, love for the masses, and affinity for the virtuous, cultivating good moral concepts and moral behavior. If there is still free time and spare energy, then it can be used to study ancient classics and increase cultural knowledge. This shows that Confucius’ education is centered on moral education, focusing on cultivating students’ moral cultivation, while the study of book knowledge is placed second.

Confucius’ education puts cultivating students’ moral concepts first, while cultural learning is only second. In fact, in any class in history, whether it is the slave-owning class, the landlord class, or the bourgeoisie, education serves politics, with particular emphasis on the moral character and political performance of students. They are cultivating all kinds of talents that meet the requirements of their class.

Filial Piety: Honoring Family in Modern Times

In Confucius’ view, filial piety, or respecting and honoring one’s parents, forms the cornerstone of ethical behavior. This principle can still be profoundly relevant today. In a fast-paced world where family interactions are often relegated to quick phone calls or text messages, taking the time to truly connect with and care for our parents can strengthen familial bonds. Simple actions such as regularly visiting them, seeking their advice, and involving them in significant life decisions reflect this age-old value, promoting a sense of respect and gratitude that transcends generations.

Respect for Teachers: Lifelong Learning and Mentorship

Confucius stressed the importance of respecting one’s teachers, equating it with the respect owed to one’s parents. This can be seen in the value we place on education and mentorship today. Whether in academic settings or professional environments, showing respect and appreciation for those who impart knowledge and guidance is crucial. Engaging actively in learning opportunities, seeking mentorship, and valuing the expertise of educators and mentors helps cultivate an environment where knowledge is respected and lifelong learning is prioritized.

Trustworthiness: Building Credibility and Integrity

Being honest and trustworthy is a virtue that Confucius highlighted, which remains indispensable in modern society. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, maintaining personal integrity is vital. Trustworthiness builds credibility in both personal and professional relationships. By being reliable, keeping promises, and practicing transparency, individuals can foster trust and respect within their communities, leading to more meaningful and productive interactions.

Universal Love and Virtue: Embracing Benevolence

Confucius taught the importance of loving all people indiscriminately and being close to those who are virtuous. In contemporary terms, this can translate into practicing empathy and kindness towards others, regardless of their background or status. Engaging in community service, supporting social causes, and surrounding oneself with positive and virtuous individuals can enhance one’s moral character and contribute to a more compassionate society.