Tai Bo

This chapter highlights discourses by Confucius and Zengzi, along with their reflections and critiques of ancient sages.

Table of contents

Selfless Abdication as Supreme Virtue: The Confucian Ideal of Moral Governance
The Harmony of Virtue and Ritual: Confucius on the Balance of Human Excellence
The Reverent Life: Moral Vigilance and Self-Cultivation in the Analects
The Noble Path of Self-Cultivation: Three Essentials of the Dao
The Humble Scholar: Learning from All, Bearing No Grudge
The Unwavering Integrity of the True Gentleman: Trust, Duty, and Moral Fortitude
The Scholar’s Burden: Magnanimity and Perseverance in Pursuit of Benevolence
The Threefold Path to Cultivation: Poetry, Propriety, and Music
The Governance of Guidance: On the Tension Between Leadership and Enlightenment in Confucian Political Philosophy
The Sage on the Dangers of Extremes: Balancing Valor, Poverty, and Humaneness
The Peril of Pride and Parsimony: A Confucian Reflection on Virtue and Talent
The Rare Pursuit of Learning for Its Own Sake: On Sincerity in Confucian Education
The Way of the Noble Person: Adherence, Timing, and Honor in Confucian Ethics
The Principle of Position and Propriety: A Confucian Guide to Order and Responsibility
Harmonious Sounds and the Cultivation of Virtue: Confucius on Music as Moral Education
The Paradox of Hollow Character: A Critique of Incongruence in Confucian Ethics
The Eternal Pursuit of Knowledge: Learning as an Unceasing Journey
The Virtue of Disinterested Rule: On Selfless Governance in Confucian Thought
Heavenly Virtue and Earthly Governance: The Sage-King Yao as Confucian Paradigm
The Rarity of Virtuous Talent and the Sublime Virtue of Humble Service
The Virtue of Selfless Governance: Yu’s Exemplary Ren (仁) and Li (礼)