Philosophize This! Episode #008 ... Confucianism
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Oct 29, 2013 Delve into the fascinating life of Confucius, from his challenging beginnings to his rise as a profound philosopher. Discover how he championed education as a path to societal improvement during a chaotic time in ancient China. Explore the timeless teachings on ethics and personal growth that still resonate today. Uncover his political ambitions, struggles with betrayal, and his quest to leave a legacy. Finally, reflect on the lasting impact of Confucianism on culture and the ever-relevant theme of tribalism in human history.
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Confucius's Unlikely Rise
- Confucius was born into poverty, deemed ugly due to birth defects, and initially lacked prospects.
- Despite this, he became one of history's most influential figures, though he died feeling misunderstood and like a failure.
Confucius's Underwhelming Autobiography
- Confucius summarized his life's journey of learning and self-discovery in a quote.
- This quote, while insightful, is considered an underwhelming autobiography by Stephen West.
Confucius's Difficult Childhood
- Confucius's father, a 70-year-old warrior, had him with a 16-year-old girl.
- His family rejected them after his father's death, leading to a difficult childhood marked by poverty and social isolation.