Governing a Country by Means of Virtue, Like the North Star—Discussion about the Confucian’s Thoughts of Governing a Country with Morals

Wenjing Lu

doi:10.4236/als.2021.93015

Abstract

As the greatest thinkers and educators in ancient China, Confucius created the Confucian doctrine and most of his thoughts have still practical value at present. In this paper, one of his core thoughts “Governing a country with morals” is discussed mainly on the contemporary value and the way for practice. The analysis shows that we should absorb the good ideas such as “cultivate oneself”, “people-centered”. Some thoughts such as self-discipline of virtue and serving the people should be enhanced to the officials. The “rule of virtue” should be combined with “rule of law” to run a country.

Highlights

Confucius is one of the greatest thinkers and educators in ancient China
The word and deeds between Confucius and his students were recorded by his students and later generations in the form of quotations, named “Analects of Confucius”
Confucius set up the first private school in the history of China around age 30

Summary

Introduction

Confucius is one of the greatest thinkers and educators in ancient China. He created Confucianism which deeply affected the development of Chinese history. Confucius thought the government by means of virtue was the central in running a country, and the benevolence (“Ren”) was the moral quality that existed in a person’s heart and could turn into practical behavior to benefit others. This kind of personality power is full of attraction, cohesion. Confucianists thought that he who loves others is always loved by them, and he who respects others is always respected by them This is the fundamental attribute that could make an individual into a person with Ren. Yi means proper conduct of human relationship, to put concern and compassion in the proper order and sequence of human relationship. Three respects: what is the connotation of this thought, why it is worth to be discussed, i.e., the contemporary value of this thought and how to practice this thought are mainly analyzed and some suggestions are presented

Connotations of “Governing a Country with Morals”

The Contemporary Value of “Governing the Country with Morals”

The Moral and Law Are Supplement Each Other at Contemporary Era

Conclusion