The Analects, a collection of the teachings of Confucius, are widely recognized as a work of the greatest importance and influence in Chinese culture. The book conveys Confucius' beliefs on a wide variety of topics, including propriety, education, family relationships, and governance in efforts to improve social order. Confucius' social philosophy is strongly directed towards the concept of ren. Ren symbolizes the characteristics of goodness and altruism and is defined as "compassionate". However, showing concern for others involves denigrating oneself. Confucius declared that "an intelligent tongue and good looks are rarely signs of goodness" (1.3) and believed that one should avoid clever speech and flattering manners, characteristics that would ultimately produce a false impression and lead to self-praise. In contrast, those who have practiced ren are “slow to speak, but quick to act” (4.24), which differentiates those who acquire genuine virtue from those who acquire deceptive virtue. For Confucius this virtue is practiced through the golden rule: "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." Confucius believed that human nature is essentially good and that negative experiences can suppress people's good nature, but good will will ultimately bring about its achievement. Ren begins with the family through filial piety. Confucius views loyalty to parents and older siblings as a form of promoting the interests of others before one's own and emphasizes that only those who have learned self-discipline can achieve such altruism. If we can be compassionate towards our family, we can do the same to the people around us in our society. We can describe the meaning of ren to portray the importance of the principle in the '…… in the center of the card…… they will do anything to produce the answer they desire. On the other hand, gentlemen encompass both the desire and the ability to see the entire context in which they find themselves. The prominent strength of junzi is the ability to make decisions for an entire being. For this reason, only they have the understanding necessary to lead others, as described by Confucius when he preaches, “if you try to lead ordinary people with coercive regulations… ordinary people will become evasive and will have no sense of shame. If…you guide him with Virtue…the people will have a sense of shame and will rectify themselves” (2.3). Confucius displayed the qualities of a gentleman and sought to be the role model for his disciples. His goal was to reform corrupt societies through princes, ministers and common servants who based their lives on the example of the jinzi..
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