Analects, Essay Example

Confucian Analects are a collection of writings directly addressing the life and thinking of Confucius. These writings have influenced Eastern thought over the last 2000 years. Much of the Analects are presented as maxims. Here, the meaning of the word maxim is explored. Furthermore, two examples of these maxims are presented and explained how they are applicable to the post-modern reader.

A maxim is a verbal expression of a moral imperative. For the Western mind, such sayings are familiar in the words attributed to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. When we hear Jesus say something like does not worry about a sliver in your neighbor’s eye when you have a log in your own, many of us understand that he means one should tend to his own problems instead of focusing upon those of others? Thus, such expressions are the cornerstone of many religious and philosophical traditions in guiding people to act rightly. The maxims of Analects are no different.

One maxim states: “Let there be no evil.” This applicable to the contemporary reader based on an extrapolated understanding of its meaning. It seems imminently clear to many that ill-spirited forces are at play in the world. Some of these we can head off. Against others we are completely powerless. For the post modern reader top think that this it is imperative that they set out to cease all evil in the world is unwise. What it means is one should work to clear his or her immediate environment of negative forces wherever possible.

Another maxim states: “Recognizing what you do not know is a sign of knowledge”. This is applicable to the post modern reader with respect to learning. Many of us know, have known, or have been one who approaches apologetics with more of an imperative to win the argument than to approach the truth. The truly knowledgeable and wise person would rather capitulate their position than to approach it ad absurdum.

It is these types of wisdoms that are glean from Confucius. Furthermore, similar messages are echoed in the maxims of many other belief systems. This fact speaks to the existence of basic immutable truths.