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A Year with Confucius

Theme: self-reflection

2 reflections tagged with "self-reflection"

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Day 27
responsibilityself-reflectionblame

Beginning with Oneself

Confucius contrasts two habits: one begins by examining and correcting oneself; the other begins by blaming or demanding from others. This does not deny external factors, but insists that the first and main sphere of responsibility is within.

Day 114
loyaltytrustworthinessself-reflection

Being a Loyal Friend

Zengzi's famous daily self-examination places friendship (朋友) at the center of moral reflection, alongside professional duty and personal study. The word 信 (xìn)—trustworthiness—is the quality under scrutiny. For Zengzi, it is not enough to have friends; one must daily ask whether one has been worthy of them. Friendship here is not a leisure activity but a moral obligation.