Response To Question
Confucius shows some respect for hermits because he believes that time with oneself presents one with the opportunity to increase his knowledge by learning in an environment free of distractions. Confucius, however, believes that social engagement is the key to the development of a person's character, since it allows an individual to put his hard-earned knowledge to good use. In Book VII, Chapter III, Confucius stresses the important of discussing what one has learned and knowledge is worthless if it is not spun into action for a move towards righteousness. Confucius, therefore, shows some respect for hermits since they spend their time by themselves reading books and increasing their knowledge, which is one of the qualities a truly virtuous man should have, but Confucius believes that words should be backed up with action and the hermits' inability to alter the corrupt social structure because of their fear of social engagement puts their ever-increasing knowledge to no use.
posted by cricketaddict at 9:10 PM
1 Comments:
Since the hermits that Confucius runs into are often farming, I wonder if they have their noses in books most of the time. You point out something interesting: Confucius does seem to have some basic sense of respect for hermits--while at the same time, criticizing their lack of social engagement.
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