Philosophy, as demonstrated by Confucius and Lao Tzu, is an effective
way in making an individual live life rightly.
This is shown in the way they approach the philosophical problem of
disorder in the world in their own concepts of the man of virtue.
Confucius and Lao Tzu consider
philosophy as a way to discover, understand and practice virtue. This means
that philosophy can lead one to learn how to reflect deeply in order to find
what is right and worthy. This is
connected with one’s ultimate task to realize harmony of self with others in
society and state. When one is able to
perform his functions in society and become an effective and efficient citizen,
he is wise. He is a noble man or a
sage. By this, one can enjoy the
fullness of life. By being harmonious
with oneself, one has a sense of direction in his life. In terms
of governance, a sage or a noble man who rules a state realizes social
harmony. He promotes order in society
because he considers a state a bigger family.
The presence of social disorder in society is caused by the refusal of
people to philosophize or engage in deep reflection. Living such life contradicts the wisdom of the
Tao or Nature. This is the reason why Confucius and Lao Tzu emphasized on the
importance of the development of virtue in the individual so that he will
become a solution to the problem of disorder in society and the world. Only a person who reflects deeply or who
engages in philosophizing can become a person of virtue, a sage, a noble man or
a philosopher king.
For both philosophers deep reflection is a philosophical activity that
can make one cultivate both his intellect and sense of morality. As Fung Yu-Lan
states in his book entitled A Short
History of Chinese Philosophy, “According to Chinese Philosophy, the man
who accomplishes this synthesis, not only in theory but also in deed, is the
sage. He is both this-worldly and
other-worldly.” 1
Fung’s statement implies that deep reflection is an activity of
philosophizing. It is not simply as a tool
to mold one into an instrument of righteousness and a practitioner of morality
or propriety. Confucius and Lao Tzu
manifest Philosophy as a way in which an individual can give flesh to his
learning. This giving of flesh is done
by the individual synthesizing all of the negative and positive aspects of his
experiences, which he then translates into his learned virtues in action. In
other words, it is being a sage or a noble man or a philosopher king.
The real synthesis of one’s deep reflection or philosophizing is the
attainment of virtue and living it consistently. This synthesis is realized in a sage, a noble
man or a philosopher king in society. When one applies rightly what he learns
from ordinary experiences, he, actually, philosophizes. When he finds wisdom in many other realities,
then, it implies that he reflects deeply.
When he discovers and practice virtue in his life, then, he becomes the
very synthesis of social harmony.
Confucius and Lao Tzu teach us that each person has worth in society. This worth is expressed in his choice to find
the path towards virtue. This path
implies the Way or Tao or Nature. When
one treks along the said path without hesitation and resistance, then, he
becomes a true companion of philosophy.
1. Fung
Yu-Lan, “The Spirit of Chinese Philosophy”, (New York: The Free Press, 1948),
In A Short History of Chinese
Philosophy, 8.
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