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Do something while knowing it is impossible:
Here, Zhi means knowing. However, the knowing in Chinese philosophy is knowing HOW instead of knowing WHAT. Confucius claimed that knowing itself is a potential action, knowing how to differentiate will be beneficial for a better life, and even for a harmonious society and the boundless universe.
Second, Ren and Li as Junzi measurements: Confucius had argued that a Junzi (gentleman) shall not be defined by family background, but by one’s personality, the moral trails. Thus, we could consider Junzi as the definition of individualization from Confucianism. In addition, Junzi is matured by Ren and Li.
The Chinese character Ren has two parts,
The left is modified (Human). The right part means more than one. It is obvious to see that Ren is not just about an isolated person but also meaning the person within relationships. Although Confucius had enhanced Ren as the most significant inner part, he never gave a clear definition of what is considered as Ren. In his answer to fellow students, he explained that Ren is to love others. Also, he considers one shall stay away from imposing, extreme or partiality, and to seek for inner balance of kindness and justice.
Li can be understood as manner. Yet, it requires people to restrain themselves to follow the moral standards, such as always have food prepared when a friend is visiting. There are several moral standards that influenced Chinese tradition and mind-setting deeply and fundamentally. I would say that one of the most harmful requirements is the three obedience and four virtues for women.
The three obedience are obedience to father before marriage, obedience to husband after marriage, obedience to son after husband’s death; the four virtues are morality, proper speech, modest manner, and diligent work. One can easily tell that this is a typical double standard as men do not have those requirements at all.
Third, using morals to solve problems in life: Confucius believed that if everyone could restrain themselves with Li and Ren, there shall be no more conflict either inside or outside. He had progressed a life stage marked with age. This had also become the standard for personal growth for many Chinese people. To reflect and to contrast, and to bound personal growth with social harmony, and to dedicated one’s whole life into became a saint.
The Master said, at fifteen I set my heart upon learning?at thirty, I had planted my feet firm upon the ground; at forty, I no longer suffered from perplexities, at fifty, I knew what were the biddings of heaven; at sixty, I heard them with the docile ear; at seventy, I could follow the dictates of my own heart; for what I desired no longer overstepped the boundaries of right.