Religion

Jen as a Metaphor in the Analects

Confucius explored the concept of jen or humanity and declared that it is a basic and universal virtue . More than that , it is also the source of all specific virtues . Confucius is the first philosopher to consider jen or humanity as a general virtue . The problem , however is that Confucius never defined it . The purpose of the article Jen as a Living Metaphor in the Confucian Analects is an analysis of jen as living metaphor in the strands of thought of Confucius

Throughout the article

, the author argues for an interpretation of humanity as created through symbolic exchange . This involves sharing of values , meanings , intentions and interconnections among human beings This results then to a collectivity of human beings . Consequently individuals become part of the community instead of simply becoming a single entity

The author of the article explores the Analects for some reasons why jen was never defined by Confucius . This is partly because there are a number of paths that a person may follow in following the Way . The exchanges between the Master and the student becomes a salient argument for the collectivity of humans and that through such dialogues , they are able to show the interconnections and the way that humans arrive at wisdom through such interactions

As the article proclaims in its latter parts , the pursuit of jen is never a solitary pursuit . Rather , a human being seeking humanity empowers others to do the same and encourages those who are seeking it as well . The pursuit of humanity is full of joy and learning and not of worry , anxiety , and trouble . In fact , yu , which is characterized by worry and other negative character is the very opposite of jen...