1. 1. Those who would perfect their work must first sharpen their tools. 2. A youth is to be regarded with respect... How do you know the youth's future will not be equal to or greater than your present? 3. A person who has committed a mistake and does not correct it is committing another mistake.

2. Aphorism
An aphorism is a brief statement that expresses an important idea in a memorable way.

3. Aphorism: “Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire”
Scenario: Ms. Nicolò should not assign a lot of homework unless she wants to grade a lot of homework.
Meaning: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Modern example: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Ex: No one has more driving ambition than the teenage boy who wants to buy a car.

4. Pair off and discuss one of these sayings.
Try to put the saying into your own words and then
think of a real life scenario that demonstrates the saying.
Think of a modern example of this type of saying.
Be prepared to share.
Aphorism:
Scenario:
Meaning:
Modern Example:

5. Who was Confucius?

6. Group Work:
As a group you have ten minutes to read your article and take notes on the main points of the reading (3-5 points).
Time keeper: front of row.
Referee: back of row.
Pick a group reporter who will share out your group’s findings for the entire class.

7. The Key Relationships:
Ruler and Subjects
Father and Son
Elder brother and younger brother
Husband and wife
Friend and Friend - Added later by the followers of Confucius (The egalitarian relationship)
While the ruler is higher in status than the subject, he has an obligation to take care of his subjects. His subjects, given that they are taken care of properly, will serve the ruler loyally. The ruler must be virtuous so that his subjects may learn and emulate him and also be virtuous. If this social contract is followed, there will be harmony in society.

8. Hierarchy of Professions under Confucianism
Ruler
Scholars
Peasants (Farmers)
Artisans and Merchants
Aside from the social relationships in society, Confucianism ranks professions as they were in his time in a hierarchy. Artisans would rank higher than merchants, given they make things that are productive for society. Merchants just trade and make money. Money or wealth was frowned upon in comparison to the higher goal of learning or attainment of wisdom. The irony was in the wealthy merchants sending their children to Confucian academies.

9. Filial Piety This is the MOST important Confucian duty.
Follow the teachings of elders
Worship one’s parents while they are living and honor them after their death.
In ancient times, a son was expected to honor his deceased father by occupying a hut by his grave and abstaining from meat, wine, and sex for 25 months.

10. Main Tenets/Beliefs of Confucianism
The Sacred Past: Confucius believed people should study the past to understand how to behave and be virtuous.
• The Social Code (Relationships): Political relationships are like family relationships, but larger. Rulers should behave toward their subjects as fathers do with their children.
• Self-Improvement: Everyone should strive to become a virtuous. If all become virtuous, there will be harmony in society.

11. Confucian Virtues Ren – Be polite. Li – Have good manners.
Shu – Think of others.
Wen – Be cultured.

12. The Analects Not written by Confucius
Collection of his teachings written down by his
students:
Mencius in particular
It is believed that students were encouraged to question the master/professor in order to fully understand the Analects and other writings on Confucianism. On the other hand, the master held full authority. Do not interpret this Socratic-like method as a chaotic learning environment.

13. Subjects of Confucian Schools
Socratic Method – The right to question and argue points with the teacher, respectfully, of course.
Poetry
Archery
Music
Rites
It is believed that students were encouraged to question the master/professor in order to fully understand the Analects and other writings on Confucianism. On the other hand, the master held full authority.

14. Video Review

15. Are the aphorisms religious or philosophical in nature?
What is the difference?

16. Philosophy:. The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge,
Philosophy: The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.
A theory or attitude held by a person or organization that
acts as a guiding principle for behavior.
Comes from the Greek word “philo-sophia” meaning love of wisdom.
Religion: The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.
A particular system of faith and worship.
From the Latin word “religio” meaning obligation,
bond, reverence.

17. His Legacy – Neo (New) Confucianism
Many philosophers came after Confucius and preached his words, but with some changes. Scholars in China, Korea, and Japan, blended Confucianism with Taoism, Buddhism, and Shintoism to form a new form of Confucianism. Hence the word Neo-Confucianism.
The painting is called the Vinegar Tasters. It features Lao-Tse (founder of Taoism), Confucius, and Buddha. They all dip their finger in the barrel of vinegar, that represents life, to taste it. Confucius tastes it and has a sour expression. He saw life or nature as sour, in need of rules and rituals to perfect it. Buddha has a bitter expression on his face, given that he saw life as pain and suffering, the goal being to escape it altogether. Lao-Tse has a smile on his face seeing how he sawlife as fundamentally good in its natural state.
Confucius, and Mencius after him, did see human nature as inherently good, but humans were in need of a good ruler, proper hierarchy and rules and rituals to perfect life on earth.