Analects Final Entry

Books 18 through 20 were those that finalized this amazing work of writing. In 18.6 when the Master says: "If the way were realized in the world, then I would not need to change anything." This passage said that those of us who feel that what s being done in the world is worng, instead of resigning ourelves from it and ignoring it completely, what we should try tp do is change the way things are viewd in modern life. In book 19, the passage where Zigong says: "A gentleman's errors are like an eclipse of the sun and the moon: when he errs, everyone notices it, but when he makes amends, everyone looks up to him." I find this metaphor quite intriguing. I believe it is saying that when a good person has done something wrong, although it is notable to everyone, so is his progress when he tries to make it better. The very last passage, 20.3 I believe is the perfect way to wrap up these Analects. It says: "One who does not understand fate, lacks the means to become a gentleman. One who does not understand ritual, lacks the means to take his place. One who does not understand words lacks the means to evaluate others." What is said here is too profound to clearly explain, everyone has a different way of interpreting such thoughts, but here's what I think. One must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of not one but all virtues in order to fulfill what is required form a Good person.

These Analects I believe were a window to a small part of Chinese culture. It showed us how similar and different we are to these amazingly insightful, brigth and talented people. Such ideas about life are, I believe, worth having in mind. And they are definately a tool of guidance for those of us who struggle to know right from wrong, in both ourselves and others.