Thu 12 Feb, 2009
Confucianism - ancient wisdom and modern values
Filed under: ConfucianismTags: ancient wisdom, Barack Obama, Confucianism
Confucianism - ancient wisdom and modern values
What Barack Obama appears to have learnt from Confucius and what he could still learn?
Although he has never acknowledged this openly there is considerable evidence to suggest that the new president is a strong proponent of Confucianism. Contrast this with his predecessor who might – if one is being generous – perhaps best be described as a proponent of confusion!
The following selection of quotes would seemingly point to strong parallels between the ancient philosopher and the new president:
On family values
The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.
Confucius
Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important.
Barack Obama
On a longer term view of the environment
If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.
Confucius
Take an intergenerational view and recognize that we are borrowing this planet from our children and our grandchildren. And this is where faith and the science of global warming converge: we have to find resources in ourselves to make sacrifices so we don’t leave it to the next generation. We’ve got to be less wasteful, both as a society and in our own individual lives. As president, I hope to rally the entire world around the importance of us being good stewards of the land.
Barack Obama
On poverty, wealth and leadership
In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.
Confucius
There is good government when those who are near are made happy, and when those who are afar are attracted.
Confucius
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect.
Barack Obama
And finally a few further pieces of 2000 plus year old wisdom that the new president may do well to heed:
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Confucius
An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.
Confucius
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
Confucius
By the ruler’s cultivation of his own character there is set up the example of the course which all should pursue.
Confucius
Wisdom and Advice on Achieving Success and Getting Along with Others
Confucius: Golden Rule
poopsybythebay says:
Very nice job. I enjoyed reading about their similarities. I would have to say he seems to have studied him very closely and that is a good thing.
Yuen Ho Wong says:
It’s funny you are saying this. I was reading Obama’s books a couple months ago with tears coming out of my eyes, then I thought, why did all these sound like the Confucian loving father teaching his own son? Then I started reading the four Confucian classics that I haven’t read since junior high, found striking similarities between the two, and thought, maybe he IS the Confucian loving father I always wish I had. That explains the tears.
Dirk says:
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