Secondary Source - Confucius: And the World He Created by Michael Schuman
Selection 1 from book:
Selection 2 from book:
Born on the 16th of October, 1968, Michael Schuman is an American author and journalist. Having studied at the University of Pennsylvania, he focuses his writings on global economics and Asian politics and history. Michael has been a writer for TIME Magazine and The Wall Street Journal in Beijing, China. He has spent his 16 years of journalism, reporting from countries such as India, Japan, Indonesia and China. Schuman has authored two books: Confucius: And the World He Created and The Miracle: The Epic Story of Asia’s Quest for Wealth.
In this book, Michael Schuman offeres a comprehensive view on how Confucius influenced the development of ancient Chinese philosophy as well as how it has influenced today’s asian philosophy. He explains that even after 2500 years after Confucius proposed his ideas, the teachings remained and survived the countless political and social uproars. Schuman’s book is divided into 3 parts, starting with the introduction of Confucius, his life and philosophy. As stated in selection 1 of the source, Michael states:
“Confucius was transformed into the Supreme Sage, the founding father of Chinese civilisation, and the “Uncrowned King,” one who, though he never held official sovereign authority, ad been chosen by Heaven to rule.” Through this quote, it is determined that the ancient Chinese dynasty perceived Confucius as a wise man. Although, he was not an emperor, people hypothetically saw him as a ruler. Schuman also talks about that if it wasn’t for Confucius’ disciples, his teachings wouldn’t have persisted. Confucianism was born during the Zhou dynasty, however, Confucianism did not reach its climax until the following Qin and Hand dynasties. |
In the second selection from the book, there is a quote: “.. the Chinese were not worshipping Confucius as a god, but merely paying respect to him as a great sage. They declared Confucian rites to be social, not religious, practices.” Through this quote, it can be said that rather than a religion, Confucianism was a social guidance. Confucius emphasised sincerity and knowledge. Schuman also justified how Confucius advocated the significance of formal study for those who lived in a volatile world of dynastic warfare during the reign of the Zhou dynasty.
As stated in the primary source analysis, Confucius strived to revive the folk traditions. Schuman explains that the teachings of Confucius assisted in the ruling of a government and people’s knowledge on their social standing. In saying so, Schuman states that Confucianism does not encourage people to mindlessly follow the rules, but rather to develop their own critical judgement. Schuman also mentions that although Confucianism was highly popular during the time of political warfare, there were many who ignored and disagreed with his teachings. Throughout this text, Michael Schuman states that Confucianism is alive and well today. Schuman also explains how Confucius’ ideas have been distorted and misinterpreted through various comparisons with the events that occurred in the modern world. Schuman believes that flexible adaptability of philosophy “can provide what China is missing” today. Michael Schuman explicitly explains the teachings of Confucius without degrading the philosophy of Confucius.
As stated in the primary source analysis, Confucius strived to revive the folk traditions. Schuman explains that the teachings of Confucius assisted in the ruling of a government and people’s knowledge on their social standing. In saying so, Schuman states that Confucianism does not encourage people to mindlessly follow the rules, but rather to develop their own critical judgement. Schuman also mentions that although Confucianism was highly popular during the time of political warfare, there were many who ignored and disagreed with his teachings. Throughout this text, Michael Schuman states that Confucianism is alive and well today. Schuman also explains how Confucius’ ideas have been distorted and misinterpreted through various comparisons with the events that occurred in the modern world. Schuman believes that flexible adaptability of philosophy “can provide what China is missing” today. Michael Schuman explicitly explains the teachings of Confucius without degrading the philosophy of Confucius.