Confucius and Aristotle were two philosophers of two very different and distinct backgrounds. Confucius' ideas were spawned as a result of his immersion and presence in the ancient Chinese culture while Aristotle's ideas were as a result of his immersion and presence in the ancient Greek culture. In spite of this, however, both touched on subjects of a similar nature quite frequently, including the concept of virtue, or of being of a good ethical character. Through a comparison of the teachings of the two individuals with the notions of virtue or good moral character and conduct will allow first for a determination of the similarities and differences between the two viewpoints. This information will then become possible to determine what those variations suggest about the differences between the two cultures. This comparison will make it possible to suggest ideas of virtue that may applied to ethics in a modern setting, such as a diverse workplace.
Confucius, due in large part to the manner and practice of ancient China, in which many subjects spoken of circumspectly and secondarily. As a result of the translation from Chinese to English, did not directly come out and state his perspective on ethical practices was, exactly what he felt virtue was. In spite of this is provided, based on the information presented in The Analects, it is possible to create a comprehensive if somewhat one-sided, picture of what Confucius believed to be virtuous behaviors[CITATION Say131 p 223 l 1033 ]. Confucius believed himself to be a teacher of humanity, and to be worthy in his eyes was for the individual "to bring comfort to the old, to have trust in friends, and to cherish the young" (Confucius, 500 B.C., 5:25). This was the basis for his moral foundation, it was necessary for the individual to extend themselves beyond this basic concept, working to not only aid others, but to create a scholarly community of persons, what he referred to as junzi, as well (Confucius, 500 B.
