Confucius: The Analects

The superior man

Junzi

Goodness, benevolence, the ultimate guide to human action

Jen/Ren

propriety, order, a guide to human relationships

Li

Flial piety, reverence, honoring your family

Hsiao/Xiao

righteousness, a moral sense/intuition, similar to Jen

Yi

Moral wisdom, knowledge of right and wrong.

Chih/Zhi

The power by which men are ruled, moral example, government

Te/De

Virtuous behavior is above-all importance, you won’t be wicked if you are virtuous, don’t deserve riches if obtained improperly, virtue for virtues sake even if causes personal discomfort

What is the type of conduct befitting the ‘superior man’?

Characteristics like virtuosity that people must strive for. He focuses more on how individuals interact with their environment

How does Confucius define/emphasize the individual?

As something in constant interaction with its environment. This is why he places so much emphasis on acting in accordance with virtue.

How might Confucius describe the self?