Chapter IV, The Content of Deliberate Tradition, Summary and Analysis

Confucius outlined his idea of deliberate tradition in five main areas and considered these the broadest basis of education. The outline consisted of key terms:

Jen, which combines the ideas of human being with the number two becoming the ideal for relationships between two people. The perfection of jen leads toward becoming supremely human.

Chun tzu is the idea of the mature person, that person who has mastered jen. Instead of seeking self-acquisition from a relationship with others, chun tzu will seek ways of serving others.

Li has two meanings. One is that of propriety while the other is the understanding of correct terms. Propriety has to do with the knowledge of chow to conduct oneself at all times. The correct terms are expressed in Confucius' teachings on the...