Confucius & the power of morality
Monday, February 18, 2008 at 11:05AM Once when Confucius and his students were in the State of Chen, they ran out of food and the students fell ill. One of the students, Zi-lu, also a famous scholar, complained, "So, it is possible for a righteous person to become destitute!"
Confucius replied, "A righteous person can guard his morality and virtue even when he is destitute; whereas a wicked person will resort to all sorts of vices when he is destitute."
What kinds of rationalisations do you make based on changing conditions? How does your view of right and wrong change, based on your health, financial situation, relationships and self-view?
According to Confucious, our moral standard shouldn't change just because our life situation changes. He believes we are regularly tested to see whether we retain our principles in tough situations. Many people will compromise their core selves based on their changing situation. Ask yourself whether you gradually move away from original values and how you justify that to yourself and others.
Confucius sermised that the standard of being human is grounded in one's view of morality. Modern people tend to adapt their opinions to suit their behavior. Some people would say that present-day moral standards have changed tremendously from the past. It is up to each person to decide whether this is good or acceptable. Confucious might say people selectively forget the basic standard of being human.
Confucius says….
To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue … gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice.
Reader Comments (2)
"To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice" - Wow! Your article is the real rehabilitation - it gives the wings. Thank you once again.