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*

[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.