Confucius: Philosophy as a Way To Cultivate Virtues In Oneself

Philosophy, as demonstrated by Confucius, is a way to cultivate virtues in oneself.  This is shown in the way he characterizes the ideal human being.  In becoming a solution to the world, it is only foremost that one needs to have a clear understanding of the proper way of things.  In order to become the manifestation of harmony in the world, one must have the proper attitudes in order to translate such harmony into appropriate actions.

Cultivating proper attitudes require not only intellectual prowess but also a deeper sense of morality.  All of these can be done when one philosophizes.  In deep reflection, one can see the importance of his involvement with others, and the need for one to restrict his actions to what is proper.  Deep reflection does not only educate man in the wisdom of things, but also it cultivates values for one to be truly educated within.   These values are benevolence, propriety, righteousness, and wisdom, which yield other virtues which can aid an individual into fashioning his life in accordance to the moral principle.   Fung Yu - Lan stated in his book entitled The Spirit of Chinese Philosophy, that the understanding of morality is “that element in moral action which makes it moral.” ¹

From Fung’s statement, one can say that when one understands the moral principle, then his actions will be in accordance with what is proper. Without any understanding of such, an individual’s actions can be reduced merely for some utilitarian or selfish end which can even breed more problems, if not immediately avoided.  It can cause disorder in one’s relationship with his family, and with his community.

Philosophizing, through deep reflection, leads one to a clearer direction in life.  When one’s mind is clear of any doubt or confusion, then, he sees the deeper and more profound significance of all things.  From there, he strengthens his character.  He becomes more committed to do what is proper and harmonious.  He develops a better sense of himself and others in the state or society where he is actively a participant.  He never stops learning from all the experiences he has.  His perspectives become sharper. He becomes more oriented with his family and community.  He maintains an interpersonal connection with others even in the most ordinary concerns in life.   He has a true sense of the ultimate purpose of moral life.  With all of these, he cultivates virtues within and he manifests these in all activities in his life.  Then, he becomes a model of moral life to others.  He becomes an instrument of harmony in his family, state and society.

 The cultivation of virtues in oneself is not an easy task.  Because of this, philosophy aids one to learn and practice virtues through the ordinary realities and concerns of life.  But one has to learn and practice deep reflection in order to begin his journey towards a virtuous life. This will prevent an individual into doing anything impulsive and improper.  Example of this is an individual sincerely obeying his parents and does his chores.  In his community, he obeys the rules and does not bend them.  As a fruit of deep reflection, one becomes guided with his responsibilities and does them with commitment and devotion.  His actions are done with conscientiousness with the right and moral principles. 

Confucius wishes to teach us the value of philosophy.  Through philosophy, one is able to realize the essence of learning from the actual realities of life.  He wants us to realize that learning is directed at the refining both our minds and hearts by the practice of virtues to make us better citizens and persons in our respective family and society.  Virtue is the foundation of a moral life.  It is the wisdom ultimately embedded in philosophy.  Philosophy educates us to become wise and virtuous.

Source:

   1.       Fung Yu-Lan, “Confucius (551-479 B.C.) and Mencius (372-289 B.C.)”, (Boston: Beacon Press, 1962), In The Spirit of Chinese Philosophy, 11.