In a rather revolutionary bit of thinking, he argued that these men (women were excluded) were superior not by virtue of aristocratic birth but because of their education and training. In this view, superior men were made, not born, which meant that even a lowly peasant could aspire to this exalted status. However, most of the superior men were drawn from elite classes, especially the old aristocracy and established shi households.
In the teaching of Confucius was very strong ethical dimension. Confucuis believed that superior men should be given the power to rule, not to enrich or glorify themselves but to serve society a a whole; that the interests and welfare of the common people must be paramount in the decisions of good emperors and their advisors; and that in return for their concern and protection, the common people should respect, support, and acknowledge the superior status of their overlords. Social harmony depended on each person's accepting his or her allotted place and performing the tasks that his or her social station required. Obedience and deference were owed to one's superiors and elders, to males from females, and to teachers from students. A good man for Confucius was one who.
Treats his betters as betters,.
Wears an air of respect,.
Who in serving father and mother .
Knows how to put in his whole strength,.
Who in the service of his prince will.
Lay down his life.
Who in intercourse with friend is.
True to his word.
Society, according to Confucius, was held together by personal ties of loyalty and obedience. Five links were stressed: three family links (father and son, elder brother and younger brother, husband and wife), one political link (ruler and subject), and one social link (friend and friend). If these links were faithfully honored, Confucius believed, only a minimal of intervention by the state in the lives of its subjects would be necessary.
According to Confucius, the superior or educated man was a person of courage who made decisions on his own and then defended them no matter how strong the opposition.
