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Essay / Overview of Confucius' Classifications of a Gentleman
A refined gentleman in the 20th century is considered an affable, friendly and kind man. Confucius had a similar meaning of what a refined man was, nevertheless he decisively described what a man had to do to be considered a man of his word. In the Analects of Confucius, an interpretation by Chichung Huang, he deciphers Confucius' lessons on existence. There are four basic things that Confucius applied to his lessons: culture, seriousness, honesty and good moral conduct. His lessons are like laws to keep society conscious; Confucius considers this to be the way of humanity. A refined man falls into each of the classifications, but one thing that a refined man values most is good moral conduct. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The prudence of the refined man demonstrates a high understanding of Confucius's lessons on moral guidance. He truly values straightforward morality: “The gentleman cherishes virtue; the little man cherishes the earth. The gentleman cherishes institutions; the little man cherishes favors.” On numerous occasions, Confucius makes correlations between short men and dominant men, otherwise known as refined men. This instruction states that what a refined man truly concerns is his ethical behavior. This education further makes the refined man appear better than the smaller man, contrasting with the fact that a smaller man is more intrigued by personal interests than by morals or virtues. A refined man who values the foundations is also a good example of good moral conduct since he values his customs and rituals. A man who loves and values his customs is also a man of culture in the eyes of Confucius. Furthermore, the Master in his lessons says that women full of beauty can be an interruption for men who love ethics and virtue. Confucius said: “It is all over!” I have never observed an individual who adores virtue as much as he adores women full of beauty.” Refined men do not succumb to women full of beauty or desire since they need high ethics. Men can continue to value ethics and virtue if they neglect desire. From time to time, Confucius teaches his lessons to younger men and children to help them realize and show them what makes a refined man. Confucius said: “Younger brothers and sons should be filial to their parents at home, obedient to their older brothers abroad, discreet and truthful, loving all the multitude, and remaining close to human men. After practicing this, they have energy to spare, they must use it to acquire culture.” What Confucius describes in this lesson falls within virtually all of the four main concentrations of his lessons. He says first that men must be genuine, especially with their parents and older siblings; a refined man is sincere and whole-hearted. Confucius advises young men and children to “love all the multitude and remain close to human men”; a refined man values moral leadership and therefore stands close to individuals who value the equivalent. Confucius also recognizes that it is important for men to become familiar with their culture. According to Confucius, another thing that makes a refined man is the ability to avoid corrupting activities. By abstaining from virtues, a man also esteems ethics. He expresses that there are three main things that a refined man avoids: "The gentleman has three absences: to..