Confucian Values and Jen

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the evolution and importance of the Confucian value known as "jen." First, the author defines this term, and how its meaning has changed over the centuries. Then concrete examples from diverse historic events are used to illustrate this concept. The author concludes with an example of how one behaves using the character trait of "jen" in today's society.

From the Paper:

"And moreover, Ssu-ma Niu inquired about Goodness; and the Master explained that the jen (the Good) man is "chary of speech" (chary also embraces the concept of jen), but Ssu-ma Niu wasn't doing well at understanding that reference. So the Master, and all readers of Confucian thought now know what the Master means, right? Not completely. The Master is somewhat mysterious about the meaning, and he is not trying to be rude by his evasiveness, and yet he uses humor. "Seeing that the doing of it is so difficult, how can one be otherwise than chary of talking about it." He is making a pun by saying the Good man is chary of speech and secondly, he is simply implying that his mysterious response is due to the fact that Ssu-ma Niu is not yet qualified to learn the true meaning; it will not be revealed at this time."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Whaley, Arthur. The Analects of Confucius. New York: Random House, 1938

More papers on Confucian Values and Jen:

• Term Paper # 141248 : "Family Values and Health Care"
• Analytical Essay # 51291 : "Personal Values and Nursing"
• Term Paper # 141176 : "Social Work Values and Ethics"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: