HML, 11th grader
Given that Di Zi Gui contains such a variety
of ideals and philosophies, it contains both similarities and differences to
Western culture. Similarities include basic concepts such as taking care of
your body and respecting your elders, while differences are met by the
extremes, which are not matched in Western society.
The similarities between Di Zi Gui and
modern day Western society are matched by numerous couplets. Understanding that
Confucius established these philosophies so long ago in such a different
culture, it’s amazing to see so many resemblances between the two societies
values. As demonstrated many times in Jin, everyday actions such as neatly
organizing your shoes and socks or even walking with good posture, are
practiced in America with ease. Also, more conceptually speaking, it’s
important to always return other people’s belongings on time, obviously after
you’ve asked in the first place if you could borrow it; if you didn’t, that’s
considered stealing. “执虚器如执盈;”pick up an empty container like it’s full. Everyday people are encouraged
to do everything to the best of their ability, and though a task may seem small
it’s important to put forth your best effort. Beliefs and practices such as the
ones mentioned above are basic concepts are practiced in every society, not
just in China.
Those who would argue that Confucius’s
principles are nothing like those found in American believe that Confucius met
the extreme of every situation. For example, Confucious states “勿虽小无私藏苟私藏亲心伤。” Although I agree that most
things should be shared with your parents, I don’t agree that even the small
things must be passed on. It’s important to have some privacy and independence.
If your independence and privacy are compromised and always shared with others,
how is a teenager supposed to learn how to decipher important and small things
in life? If everything is shared, there is bound to be an opinion that follows,
and sometimes it’s important to devlop that opinion on your own. In Western
culture, teenagers are notorious for hiding things from their parents. Although
I don’t agree with parents allowing this extreme, I believe that a happy medium
should me met. Children should be left to differentiate between the large and
small things in life, and most large events should be passed on for their
parents to know about. Also, Confucius adds, “亲所恶谨为去.” Yes, one shouldn’t intentionally upset their
parents by doing things they don’t like, but often it’s important for a child
not to follow in their parent’s footsteps and pave their own path. American
parents more often than not encourage their children to try new things and
pursue their interests. This is often seen during the college process when a
child chooses to attend a school different than their parents wish.
In conclusion, the similarities and
differences might be small, but Confucius’s philosophies are often recognized
to be more idealistic than practical in American society.
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