A Study Of Confucius' Ways Of Life

The ancient Confucian scholars had a recognition of the ideal personality in real life, that was made yourself alone good in the adversity and made all the world good in times of success. Intervening in the politics or not are often regarded as the two different attitudes of the ancient Confucian scholars. One was to successfully make their way into the politics, the other was to retire from public life. It was difficult for many people to choose between the two conditions. In fact, Confucius had already faced such dilemma. On the one hand, his basic view was that be yourself when the empire was well governed, hid yourself when it was badly governed. But on the other hand, he kept pursuing his career in a chaotic society, even willing to serve under the rebels. Such departure from his principle has been extremely controversial.Through the re-examination of classics, this essay attempts to clarify Confucius'attitude towards the official career, then analyse the implicit meaning of his principle, after explain Confucius' response to the rebels, finally reach the significance behind such confusion. Discussing the contradiction between Confucius' principle and behavior could help enrich his character. And his attitude towards personal career choice has undoubtedly influenced later scholars.