Introduction
Kung Fu Tze or Confucius was born in 551 B.C at a time when the Chinese society was going through an era of moral decay. The state of China stirred his mind and made him to search for a philosophy that he could preach across china so as to preserve the morality of the people of China. This theory encouraged the discipline and restoration in the society, ideals that contemporary china lacked at that time.
I enjoy being Confucianist because this theory concurs with my desires to live in a morally upright society. The major principles of Confucianism included Li that made suggestions on rituals, etiquette and moral behavior, Hsiao that encouraged the development of companionship and love within the family and the society at large, Yi –it advocated for moral correctness, D Xin, Jen as well as Chung which collectively encouraged the virtues of integrity, honesty, love, empathy, humanity, loyalty to the king or masters. I really identify with these virtues and would like to see other people also embrace them.
The seminal yet simple principles of Confucius have really invoked me to lead a disciplined live that are guided by principles and virtues and I would wish that each and every person in the society embrace these virtues for their own benefit. I long to see a society where people respect their lords, parents and rulers. As a Confucianist, I am glad to be part of a theory that promotes the creation of a harmonious society where people live in a perfect hierarchical structure, without violating or infringing other people’s rights. If Confucianists can effectively campaign for implementation of these principles people can achieve a peaceful co-existence that is propelled by love for one another irrespective of ones origin.
As a believer in Confucius’ principles creation of order in the duties of the social classes and the work classes is of great priority. I would like to create awareness of the sets of duties that the ruling classes and the common people are expected to perform. The common men were supposed to work according to the work principles while contributing to the functioning of the government and obeying their masters. The ruling classes had their work comprising of fruitful works at a higher level of thinking processes that could benefit the people of the state. I argue that the princely classes should avoid wasting their time in seeking the pleasures of the earth but should concentrate in the pursuit of academic interests, accumulation of knowledge and establishment by learning and practicing culture and customs. For a non-Confucianist it could be painful to accept the reality of the nobility of the princely families in their line of duty. This theory has made me to accept the bitter truth and nowadays I can easily accept the dignity of the ruling subsets and obey the authorities without strains. What pains me is the fact that the ruling princely classes today are too much absorbed in their personal enjoyment rather than serving the nation with diligence.
I like this theory because it is full of benevolence of a rare kind. It places the well-being of others at the center of everything. It emphasizes on helping those in need unconditionally. This principle promotes the peaceful co-existence in the society with those whose are less privileged. In embracing this principle I aim to reduce cases of the poor subsets in the society becoming deviant by engaging in criminal activities. I want the less-privileged to have a positive change in attitude and to feel loved and accepted in the society.
Confucian ideas brilliantly defines what institutes the “ideal life” that seemed to be directed towards the development of a “gentleman” a term that I normally associate myself with today. As a Confucianist and as a gentleman, I want to be perceived as a person having an access to learning and as a man having a great moral sense regardless of my social status just as Confucius described the trait. Confucianism has made a better person morally in the hub of a rotten society and with the strong stamina instilled in my heart by the principles of morality I aim to remain steadfast and uphold my beliefs in all my undertakings.
