Discussion on the Meaning of "Confucians of High Noble Morality" and "Confucians of Low Estate" in The Analects of Confucius
There is a very unusual phenomenon that the discussion of "Confucianism" in the Confucian classic "The Analects of Confucius" is only found in the chapter "To be Confucians of high noble morality, not to be Confucian of low estate". The interpretations in academics are mostly viewpoints and seldom reasons. In order to clarify the meaning of the terms "Confucians of high noble morality" and "Confucians of low estate", it is essential to examine the context of the times. By analyzing the inferior status and cowardly character of Confucianism in the time of Confucius, as well as Confucius' personal ambition and the shaping of the ideal personality of the "new gentleman", we believe that Confucianism in the time of Confucius is "Confucians of low estate", i.e. Confucians of low status. "To be Confucians of high noble morality" is just the expectation of Confucius and his own motivation, hoping that Confucians will become "Confucians of high noble morality" with both morality and noble and courageous character by "improving morality to obtain the noble" and "disciplining the noble with morality". Following the continuous interpretation by Confucian scholars such as Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi, Dong Zhongshu and so on, "Confucians of high noble morality" eventually became the backbone of political governance and cultural development over the past 2,000 years.
The Analects of ConfuciusConfucianismConfucians of high noble moralityConfucians of low estatenew gentleman
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