Keep In Mind

The Analects strive to change the way we perceive our life and our priorities. After reading this text I changed my way of organizing priorities and my interpretation of events. A text that tells you that one should always seek the benefit of the group even if it’s not convenient for the individual is trying to get across a very interesting idea. These ideal may be what the current world community need to achieve social progress, for everyone disregards its importance. We all try to be individually successful and we are concerned more about our public image rather than the effects our lives have on the world. Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you, but rather strive to become a person worthy of being known (Analects, 4.14).” As in this idea which suggests that we quit being so concerned about what other might think of us, many others try to make in us a completely new social revolution completely opposite of the situation in the world.

Sometimes we are forced to break rules in order to maintain the group benefit. This suggests that we are occasionally allowed to “play God” when it is the only resource we have left to obtain the best result. We all have the decision-taking skills to analyze consequences of our act and to carry on a further comparison of consequences to come up with the best action. “The gentleman wishes to be slow to speak, but quick to act (Analects, 4.24).” In this quote the role of gentleman is what we all should be, we should all think a lot about things we say, but when we are required to act and support what we say, we are not to hesitate.

The Analects have left behind many important ideas which I don’t have to agree upon but which I will continue to consider as a further way to view the world. In my opinion you should never disregard a way of thinking. Even if you don’t agree with it you should think about it objectively to derive fragments which might complement your current understanding of a subject. This is what I have done with the Analects, and that is what they have done for me.