Confucius today

The spectre of crimes is very much evident today. Even to a casual reader, newspapers give a graphic account of gruesome crimes: mothers killing their own children, sons plotting to murder their own fathers, whole families being hacked to death over trivial issues.

In addition, contract killings take a heavy toll of human beings. Sometimes a sane person might wonder whether we are living in a killing field.

When I think of the present scenario, my mind goes back to ancient China that produced a unique human being called Confucius. He was one of the most influential Chinese philosophers who lived from C. 551-179BC. although he became famous as Confucius, his full name was K'ung Fu-Tzu, or according some authorities K'ung Ch'iu.

He was different from religious teachers and many other philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Bertrand Russel or J. Krishnamurti. While living during the second half of the Chou dynasty (c.1027-256 BC), he observed that society was full of vices and people were committing numerous crimes. He thought that the upward trend in crimes was due to the decay of moral standards. Therefore, he decided to restore moral standards among the people.

This was an uphill task. He knew that criminals would not listen to his preachings. Therefore, he thought that if the people in authority lived moral lives, others would follow them. He also urged rulers to follow moral principles and make their countries prosperous.

Unlike other philosophers, Confucius had the opportunity to test his theories when he was appointed magistrate of Chung-tu. Soon thereafter he was appointed the minister of crime of the state of Lu. Chinese historians record that his administration of justice was highly successful. He was able to dispense justice equitably and the crime index came down to near zero.

Confucius, like all philosophers, did not want to enjoy a plum job. He quit his office in 496BC and started travelling and teaching. He was searching for an ideal ruler but he never found one. Then he started preaching his philosophy and writing commentaries on ancient classics. He died in Lu and was buried in Shandong.

What is noteworthy is that Confucius did not have a large following during his lifetime. But he taught his philosophy to a small coterie of followers. Today we realise that the great philosopher was speaking to all men of all times. Although people venerated him he was not deified. But he was referred to as the First Teacher or the 'Sagest of the Sage.'

Confucius set out the moral standard as the best preparation of good life. He did not object to old religious practices. But he reminded the people to maintain their human dignity.

Unfortunately, some people could not understand what he meant by 'human dignity.' Even today, people living in the Digital age do not understand what 'human dignity' means. Basically dignity can mean different things to different people. One meaning of dignity is calm, serious and controlled behaviour that makes people respect you. On another plane, dignity is the opinion that you have of the standard of your own importance and value.

If you really understand what human dignity means, you will not resort to immoral behaviour, theft and all forms of crime. Consumerism and free flow of goods have eroded most of our human values. Rivalry, jealousy and the desire to reach the top somehow have compelled man to forget their lessons taught by the Buddha, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed and Confucius millenniums ago.

Most of us want to be great men in society. But Confucius saw this in a different light. He said, "To remain unconcerned though others do not know of us - that is to be Great Man!" Those in politics know well that some people always try to bring confusion to their midst.

Confucius had a solution to such situations: "Great Man applies himself to the fundamentals, for once the fundamentals are there System comes into being."

I think most rulers want to be excellent administrators. However, some fail to achieve their target. If Confucius were to come again, he would say, "To be excellent when engaged in administration is to be like the North Star. As it remains in its one position all the other stars surround it,"

Let me end this account with one of his memorable sayings.

"He who in this world can practise five things may indeed be considered Man-at-his-best. They are: Humility, magnanimity, sincerity, diligence, and graciousness. If you are humble, you will not be laughed at.

If you are magnanimous, you will attract many to your side. If you are sincere, people will trust you. If you are diligent, you will be successful. If you are gracious, you will get along well with your subordinates."

Confucius is no more. Long live Confucius!