Kyo 's Key Ideas from The Analects
by Confucius

According to the Master, acquiring knowledge is critical, and one must develop effective learning techniques. For example, he believes that one must be willing to learn from others while also thinking independently. The Master enters the great temple on one occasion and asks numerous questions. Someone who was also present is puzzled after he departs.

Confucius is said to be an expert on the rites; however, if this is true, why did he ask so many questions? When Confucius hears of this, he says that asking questions in itself is a rite. Confucius is deeply concerned with the antiquity of ancient rites. Confucius is frustrated when someone wishes to abolish the tradition of sheep sacrifice on the new moon day. He is opposed to abolishing tradition.

For Confucius, cultivating the virtue of benevolence is critical. While gentlemen strive for benevolence because they recognize its importance, small men strive for it because they believe it will benefit them to appear benevolent.

Confucius praises those who are able to hold themselves accountable and commit to positive change when they realize they are in the wrong about something, but he is on the verge of giving up hope because he has yet to meet a man who is willing to do so. Although he believes that there are many people who are equally trustworthy and dedicated to a life of service as he is, he feels that he will never meet anyone who is just as eager to learn as he is.

He believes that men who seek to be ingratiating and use cutting language will never achieve benevolence. When the Master considers himself, he fears most failing in his efforts to cultivate virtue through a thorough understanding of the material he has studied. For him, benevolence is only achieved through overcoming oneself, and a person can overcome themselves through dedicated observation of the rites. The Master takes care to distinguish material success from benevolence.

Confucius believes that while one must use the study of the rites to inform their position in public office, if one lacks the ability to apply the study of antiquity, they are unfit to hold office. He believes that leaders should be generous with their followers, not overwork them or tax them unfairly. He believes that understanding the rites is critical to one's ability to participate meaningfully in society.