"I am determined to learn five out of ten, stand at thirty, not be confused at forty, know my destiny at fifty, listen to my ears at sixty, and do what I want at seventy, without exceeding the limit." This is Confucius' summary of all stages of his life.
Confucius' theory of benevolence embodies the humanistic spirit. Confucius' study of etiquette embodies the spirit of etiquette, that is, order and system in the modern sense. Humanism is the eternal theme of mankind, which is applicable to any society, any era and any government.
And order and institutional society are the basic requirements for building a civilized human society. This humanitarianism and order spirit of Confucius is the essence of China's ancient social and political thought.
Extended data:
The core content of Confucius' political thought is "courtesy" and "benevolence". In the general plan of governing the country, he advocated "governing the country by virtue", which is the noblest way to govern the country. This strategy of governing the country is also called "rule by virtue" or "rule by courtesy". This strategy applies morality and politeness to the people, strictly follows the hierarchical system, and divides nobles and civilians into rulers and ruled. Broke the original important boundary between nobles and civilians.
Confucius advocated "ruling the country by virtue", which is the noblest way to govern the country. This strategy of governing the country is also called "rule by virtue" or "rule by courtesy". Rule by virtue is to advocate moral education.
Confucianism believes that no matter whether human nature is good or evil, people can be influenced and educated by morality. The so-called "rule by courtesy" means observing a strict hierarchy, and there are strict differences between monarch and minister, father and son, and nobility and inferiority.