Great Master Kong

[gfish]

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.

Comments

[sistawendy.livejournal.com]

You, sir, take freakiness into new dimensions.

[vixyish.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, when I learn something new, it turns out to be something about my husband... :)

[craigp.livejournal.com]

Eeep!!

I can't help but picture Bush as Emperor and Cheney as his chief eunuch... *shudder*

[craigp.livejournal.com]

... 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.

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.

[shadowblue.livejournal.com]

Yeah, sometimes I get that way too. Not so ... romanticised... but I like to think about how things might be if there was something all-guiding but non-religious like that. It would be so nice.

But I could never actually live like that. I would explode. I would be a great hero of the rebellion.

... That'd be kind of fun, too.

[gfish.livejournal.com]

I think you'd be the guy the rebellion sends out for beer.

[shadowblue.livejournal.com]

Instant hero status!