PHI101_702 Unit 5 Discussion - Based on what you have learned about Confucius's political philosophy interpret the following saying One who rules with

Based on what you have learned about Confucius's political philosophy, interpret the following saying: One who rules with de is like the Pole Star: it simply remains in its place and receives the homage of the myriad lesser stars. I believe the saying, "One who rules with de is like the Pole Star: it simply remains in its place and receives the homage of the myriad lesser stars." represents Confucious political philosophy because he believed that a ruler ought to rule a people through example and virtue rather than through fear of punishment. He believed that If laws were enacted in a society seeking to punish those ill-behaved then the individuals will do what they can to avoid the punishments without feeling shame for their actions, where as if a ruler leads by example of what one ought to and out

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Unformatted text preview: not to do then the individuals who "misbehave" will instead feel shame and will willingly surrender themselves through this feeling, accepting discipline. The saying refers to the "Pole Star" as the ruler, and that through it simply existing and continuously shining bright through virtue, simply because that is what it does, it will receive both praise and loyalty of those beneath it, such as the "lesser stars" and they to will strive to shine bright as the pole star, thus enabling them to surrender themselves from shame; it will then be the lesser stars themselves who keep the "peace" and order simply through striving to reach the brightness of the pole star. (Grade 20/20)...
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