A Reaction Paper on Confucius

A Reaction Paper on Confucius: the Man, the Humanist at the Turn of a New Millennium

There is no question that Confucius is very famous and influential, not only during his time but until now. The same is true with his teachings. His lessons are still the statutes in which his followers live. Moreover, his philosophies are still applicable during the present time anywhere. The situation during the birth of Confucius and the time in which he lived is quite similar with the state of affairs that we have in the country today. There is disorder  and discord. There are murder and other kinds of crimes due to greed and self  interests. There is turmoil in almost every part of the country, though the kinds are varied from one place to another. Just like the time of Confucius we also need to have focused mind and a determined will in order to effect the change that we need in our society. e should not get tired and and frus frustra trate ted, d, but but we need need to cont contin inue ue doin doing g what what is righ right, t, hopi hoping ng that that an individual!s act of righteousness will be passed on to others and become a collective act.  "s Confucius was saying, we need to become gentleman. e need to live in virtue and have a virtuous society. #t is necessary for us to put virtue over material wealth. e need to focus on our moral needs. #t seems that morality is already lacking in our present times. $ur values are already gone. Crab mentality and survival of the fittest are already the present conditions that are prevailing among us. The present situation is partially due to the fact that our leaders seem to lack morality. They choose might, power and richness over virtue and morality. This can be e%emplified by the fact that politicians use goons, guns and gold during election period despite the fact that it is illegal and immoral. &ut that is the truth. 'oliticians would do anything (ust to be able to attain their ambitions.  "t this moment, # would like to point out my agreement with what Confucius has said that righteousness is more important than riches and honor. e should not pursue our ambitions if they will result detrimental to others. $ur desires for riches and honor should be done in the right way. )ighteousness )ighteousness should reign above all desires.

*ome of our leaders also forget that respect is better than might. This is one of the premises of Confucius. #t is very clear that Confucius choose government of virtue over government of the law. "nd # would like to say that # am very much amenable to this. )espect is better than might. " person might be feared by many if he still physically strong or if he is still in power. &ut when he grows old or if he is not anymore in power, will the people still remember him. However, a person who is respected will always be remembered even after his death. Confucius strongly advices us that morality should reign in the society. "n immoral person does not have the right to lead. #t is very true. &ut the problem sometimes is that what morality should be used. There are various criterion of morality depending on whose philosophy one believes. e have +antian or atural -thics of +ant. There is the tilitarian -thics of John *tuart Mill. "nd there is the Thomistic or  Catholic -thics of *t. Thomas "quinas. hich of this criterion of morality should be used/ # strongly believe that it is another question that should be answered. To end this reaction paper, # would like to reiterate that # am very much convinced with the idea of Confucius that0 if there is strong morality and respect among us, there would be harmony within the community.