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I have a dirty little secret. Under my cool, modern, cynical exterior is a guy who is strongly drawn at times to Confucianism.
I like the idea of human society being a microcosm for the universe. I like the idea that following ancient rituals can contribute to social harmony, and I like that the point of view makes social harmony a priority. Where the best way to encourage a moral, well-ordered society is to have a compassionate, moral leader. A leader who isn't merely leading by example but directly improving all-under-Heaven by being in tune with the underlying moral principles of the universe. I absolutely love how it provides a spiritual -- but non-religious -- basis for absolute morality. Morality as an impersonal force inherent in the design of the universe, not the dictates of a capricious god. Morality as physical law.
Of course, I don't believe any of it. And practical implementations are far too dogmatic and authoritarian for my wild, independent spirit. But there is a not-inconsiderable part of me that really wishes it was true. What a... comforting world to live in.
I like the idea of human society being a microcosm for the universe. I like the idea that following ancient rituals can contribute to social harmony, and I like that the point of view makes social harmony a priority. Where the best way to encourage a moral, well-ordered society is to have a compassionate, moral leader. A leader who isn't merely leading by example but directly improving all-under-Heaven by being in tune with the underlying moral principles of the universe. I absolutely love how it provides a spiritual -- but non-religious -- basis for absolute morality. Morality as an impersonal force inherent in the design of the universe, not the dictates of a capricious god. Morality as physical law.
Of course, I don't believe any of it. And practical implementations are far too dogmatic and authoritarian for my wild, independent spirit. But there is a not-inconsiderable part of me that really wishes it was true. What a... comforting world to live in.
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Aside from the fact it ostensibly derives from religious morality, your comments do seem to come pretty darn close to neocon 'compassionate conservatism'...
The idea is something I can appreciate on an idealistic level, but since I would need absolute faith in the leader, I can't see it happening. Perhaps if we had a Julius, Alexander, or Cleopatra - but then that thought becomes even scarier. :-)
If only our leaders had integrity, our democratic system would work pretty well. Too bad.