Thursday, October 23, 2014
Contradictions
I thought it was very interesting that in 13.16 the Master says, "[Act so that] those near to you are pleased, and those who are far from you are drawn close." I know this quote is not exactly the same in other versions of Analects, but the main idea behind it is consist through all translations. Is it not a contradiction to the Master's previous words? In earlier books he states that one must only work to please themselves and accomplish their own goals. They should not take into account any others in order to benefit themselves. This quote is stating the complete opposite of the Master's earlier account. It calls for one to work to please others, rather than to only please themselves. However, this may also be interpreted in a sense that one should please those near to them regarding family. In which case, the Master would not necessarily be posing contradicting ideas. The second interpretation is not how I viewed it myself. What do you think?
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I think that this can be interrupted in a way that means that if you work to please those near you (like your family) you should be pleased and accomplish your own goals. This could also be taken that by accomplishing your own goals, your family should be pleased and those far from you, should be attracted to your confident personality. This is a large contraction and can be interpreted in many ways. Because the Analects clearly value family, I'd have to say to look at it in the way that you are a part of your family. Because of this, you should do what makes you happy and your family happy. If these two conflict, ignore your own goals and do what is best for your family because in the end this is the "ideal" way to live.
ReplyDeleteI think that what the master is saying is that it's important to put one's own goals first, but in the process one may also draw others near. It's basically like when people say "do it for yourself, not to please anyone else". In doing it for yourself, you will please others in the process anyway. For example, if I were to wear a certain outfit, I wear it to make myself happy. It shouldn't matter what other people think, as long as I like it. If some others happen to like it, then good for them! It will draw them in. I believe that is what he meant by his contradiction.
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