Virtue Of Jen example essay topic

319 words
Matthew Swift THA 379 Dr. EtlingConfucianism The teachings of Confucius revolve around living a virtuous life. In his view a world in which everyone holds themselves to a high standard of virtuous thought and action is an ideal world. He believes that the common good is attained through the three main virtues, Jen, Shu, and Li. The virtue of Jen is one that is based on attitude. It is a virtue that is based onlooking out for the good of others. Confucius believed very highly in cooperation and taught that having the virtue of Jen meant that one would cooperate with society and thus promote the common good.

The Jen attitude also place the value of people in very high regard and because of this high regard one treats others very kindly. The virtue of Shu is basically the same as the golden rule of christianity. Anything that you would not want done to you do not do to other people. Having the virtue of Shu meant that one was conscious of the affect that their actions have on other people and if very careful to make sure that the affect in not negative. The last virtue Li is the result of Jen and Shu.

It is all of the great things that come because of the first two virtues. In Confucius' opinion this was best displayed during period in Chinese history. This was the best example of a social order in which everything was in its right place. Li was the proper execution of a religious and moral way of life. The confucianist teachings are in many ways what a civilized and humane society would view as common sense or the right way to live. He emphasized the proper treatment of others and place great importance on the value of human life.