The Three Guidelines and Eight Objectives of Confucianism
Three Guidelines and Eight Objectives
Three Guidelines
Illustrating illustrious virtue
Renovating the people
Resting in the highest excellence
Eight Objectives
Studying the nature of things to acquire knowledge
Making the thoughts sincere
Rectifying the mind
Cultivating morality
Managing the family
Governing the state and safeguarding peace under heaven
Self-Cultivation
Cultivating Morality
Cultivating morality: vital for action
A man of virtue: holding three things in awe, guarding
against three things, and having neither anxiety nor fear
Sincerity and reciprocity: vital for benevolence by a man of virtue
Developing Stronger Virtues
It is people's nature to develop stronger virtues vital for their survival
Feeling happy when told of his errors and working to correct
all his mistakes: a characteristic of a virtuous man with good deeds
Choosing what is good and following it: an important
manifestation of the cultivation of morality by a man of virtue
Benevolence and Morality
Benevolence: the fundamental morality of a man of virtue
The self-cultivation of a man of virtue: with benevolence and wisdom included
Moral integrity that helps a man of virtue command respect
Modesty and Prudence
Modesty and prudence: the principle of action of a man of virtue
Being earnest in what he is doing, and careful in his speech: a code of conduct of a man of virtue
A man of virtue being prudent in his words and deeds:the right moment and propriety
Self-Cultivation Through Learning
Studiousness: a prerequisite for the self-improvement of a
man of virtue
The positive attitude of a man of virtue toward learning
Dedication: the only way to master principles
……
Self-Conduct
Governance