Confucius and Mackiavelli essays

Confucius and Mackiavelli essays Confucius was a humanist, unlike Machiavelli. He examined the past and distinguished the good and the bad. He remembered important information that was to be modeled or serve as an example of what should be avoided. Confucius felt that force regulation by law could set limits for people. However, he felt that it was too cruel to inspire their daily exchanges. He felt that the governments needed meaning and motivation, something they could not provide. Unlike Machiavelli, Confucius felt the need for love. He felt love is an important place in life and that is should be supported by social structures and ethics. Confucius stressed that one should ...not impose on others what you yourself do not desire (XV 24). He stressed the importance of tradition. He taught that tradition shaped peoples attitudes and would soon be perfected. Machiavelli was not concerned with being very virtuous, but Confucius begged to differ. Confucius states, He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the starts turn toward it (Analects XVII). Confucius placed enormous value on art. Those opposed to art were considered half-human. It was not art that engulfed Confucius, but its direction toward virtue that impressed him. Confucius placed emphasis on education. He felt that not teaching a man that had the ability to be taught was wasting a man. Yet teaching a man who cannot be taught is wasting words. Confucius felt that music and poetry stimulated the mind. They both teach contemplation and sensitivity and teach one to serve and respect their parents (Analects XVII, XVII: 9). Machiavelli jumped at the opportunity to ridicule human nature. He had a strong sense of distrust in citizens. Machiavelli stated that ...in time of adversity, when the state is in need of its citizens there are few to be found (34). Machiavelli...