History's Perspective

Interview with Confucius

Interview with Confucius

Introduction: "If a ruler sets himself right, he will be followed without his command.  If he does not set himself right, even his command will not be obeyed," This is one of the teachings of the famous Confucius.  Confucius is a famous educator and philosopher whose teachings have spread widely throughout Asia.  His teachings were called Confucianism and are found in the Analects, which his students put together in honor of his death.  China's Journal of Wonders interviews Confucius in his humble home in the valley.

Kaitlyn Chau (KC): Hi there. *waves awkwardly smiling * sits down on his prepared bamboo mat crisscross apple sauce

KC: First of all I'd like to say thank you for having us here *eyes sparkle with delight

Confucius (C): (translated) No, it is my pleasure. *reassuring smile

KC: Okay...*lets out breath of jitters

KC: Lets start! *claps hands together* You've said, "We do not yet know how to sere man, how can we know about serving the spirits?  We don't know yet about life, how can we know about death?" Why did you say that?  What did you mean?

C: That is because it's the truth.  I am concerned of where this life will lead us if people are praying to pictures when we've yet to learn our own country's structure.  We haven't lived to our fullest potential. We haven't experienced death first hand so how can we possibly have knowledge of such things?

KC: *meanwhile looks at scenery

C: *clears throat

KC: *jolts in surprise and blushes~ Oh...sorry. *rubs neck* It's just the scenery is so...beautiful. Oh and amazing speech. I was listening. One day I'm sure your teachings will lead you somewhere. *smiling making eyes crinkle

C: Thank you.

KC: Next question then.  What do you think the outcome of Confucianism is?

C: If one is right, and follows what is right the world will become the impossible, but I must say man is not perfect so I wish many will follow nature's wishes.  It is selfish to wish for something ever so unachievable or to even be selfish for anything I desire, but I put trust in the people to choose and follow the more reasonable path so the world will become the unaccomplished.

KC: What do you think of Liu Bang?

(Ancient History Encyclopedia informs, "The famous Chinese historian Sima Qjan tells us that whenever Liu Bang [first Han emperor] identified a Confucian [an easy thing to do because they used to wear a very distinctive pointed hat], "immediately snatches the hat from the visitor's head and pissed in it".)

C: *expression turns into one that is troubled* I dare not speak in such ways of the late emperor.  Instead I believe he will always have the choice to do what is right.  I know he does not approve of my teachings of such, but he is of his own person who must do what he has been destined to do, whether good or bad, he serves his purpose like everyone.