The Study On The Doctrine Of The Mean In The Analects Of Confucius

"The Doctrine of the Mean" has only appeared once in The Analects of Confucius,but its spiritual thoughts are everywhere in The Analects of Confucius,which constitutes a set of ideological systems with extremely rich connotations.The connotation of his thought lies in the principle of "execution of dual use","in the use of ritual" and "in-the-middle",which can solve social contradictions and maintain social harmony and stability.Whether it is to achieve Confucianism's highest ideal "benevolence",or to launch Confucianism in the application of people,teaching and politics,or to complete the Confucian ideology,the basic principles and methods of the "The Doctrine of the Mean" thought are inseparable.The "Doctrine of the Mean" in The Analects of Confucius has the fundamental principle and the flexibility of contingency.Its basic meaning is the concrete analysis of specific things,grasping how to solve the contradiction between the opposite ends of things,thus realizing "execution of dual use" and "in the use of ritual".The so-called "in-the-middle" refers to correctly handling the contradictions existing in things,that is,not simply "keeping the middle",but insisting on grasping the right time in moderation.In the Analects of Confucius,“virtue”,“propriety” and “benevolence” are important categories of Confucian philosophy,but they are not the core,it's core category should be “Doctrine of the Mean”.In addition,in the Analects of Confucius,the external manifestation of the "The Doctrine of the Mean" thought is "degree." The "The Doctrine of the Mean" in the Analects of Confucius has embodied concrete practices in terms of the way of human beings,the way of teaching,and the way of politics.In terms of being a human being,Confucius advocates the value of "harmony and difference" and points out that in the interpersonal communication,"the standard of gentlemen" and "reporting with grievances" are the principles.In terms of teaching,Confucius advocates equal emphasis on learning and thinking,"teaching students according to their aptitude",and paying attention to the role of education and enlightenment in order to achieve the purpose of learning and application.In the aspect of politics,Confucius strives to realize " benevolent politics",upholds the concept of "permitting the law" and temper justice with mercy,and requires the rulers to cultivate their mind and body and realize the "rule of the saints".The "The Doctrine of the Mean" in The Analects of Confucius still has value for the present.That is to say,in dealing with contradictory things,building social harmony,and the development and innovation of traditional culture,it has reference significance.We should learn from and absorb Confucius' s "The Doctrine of the Mean" and carry forward its functions to solve the thorny problems facing today's society.