read Confucius---- humanity

Tweet

One of the most important ideas of Confucius is HUMANITY, in Chinese REN. This idea is not only seen in his political attitude, but also in his views of life, moral standard and manners. To quote from THE ANALECTS (a book compiled by his students as a record of his sayings), the meaning of Humanity is as following: Confucius said,'Humanity means to restrain oneself and observe the rites. Once one does this, the whole world will be embraced in one's humane mind.' (Rites were norms and regulations guiding the behaviour of the nobles and relations among them.) Confucius said,'A humane person is one who help others to be established when he wishes to be established himself. To start from one's own desires can be a way of practising humanity.'(translated by Pro. Ding Wangdao) To start from one's own desires implies thinking that others may have the similar desires as one's own. There are many other sayings on humanity. Maybe it is a little difficult to understand. Please give your comments. I appreciate them very much in advance.