Synthesis Paper 1.D Revised

What is Philosophy as demonstrated in Ancient Chinese Philosophy by Confucius in the way he lays out the steps of self-cultivation?

Philosophy as demonstrated in Ancient Chinese Philosophy by Confucius in the way lays out the steps of self-cultivation is knowing what it is and how to be human. This means to say that Confucius states ways on how a person realizes his potential in becoming a human person. He stated that knowing what it is and how to be human is done through learning and gaining knowledge about humanity.

When one wants to know what it is and how to be human, he must first be open to learn about it. Learning lets you know things that you need to know and not just anything. Before a person would be open to learning, he should acknowledge the fact that he does not know everything. After that, he should learn to distinguish things he knows and things he does not know.

Learning is comprehending things and not just memorizing or accepting those that are already given. It is analysing and weighing down the things that are known. To learn is to be able to see the underlying principle of the knowledge gained. A learned person is someone who thinks and  can justify his answer. He is someone who makes sense in what he is saying.

Knowledge results to learning. When one has known things, then he would try to evaluate if these knowledge can help him in his journey of knowing what it is and how to be human. A person who is after becoming a human person does not aim to know everything but only those that could help him in his development to be a human being. Learning is about knowing and evaluating things that matter and then applied to the person’s life.

If one wishes to be a human being, he has to apply the things he has learned to his daily life. This is to say that he has live and practice the knowledge that he has. The practicing should be done whole heartedly. There should not be pretensions as he would end up just deceiving his self. Self-deception will not last long because the motivation is not for the self. Also, it would not last long because the person dislikes or is not committed to what he is doing. Even if practicing it is hard or difficult, it doesn't mean it's impossible. The only way to be a human being is to exercise being a human being. Therefore, he must put into practice whatever he has learned but it should be done sincerely.

All these things are done if the person has freed his self from the emotional baggage's. This is the second step in knowing what it is and how to be human. Emptying the self from baggage's is making sure that the person is not easily distracted by any external and internal force like emotions. He should evaluate his self from time to time. This is to be sure that he really wants what he is doing. This is to evaluate his self if he is truthful to his actions. If the person will know that he is sincere and committed to the things he does, then he will not be lost in finding what it is and how to be human.

Therefore, Philosophy as demonstrated in Ancient Chinese Philosophy by Confucius in the way lays out the steps of self-cultivation is knowing what it is and how to be human. Self-cultivation is making sure what the self really wants to do. When one is sure about it, he will be able to realize his potentialities. Confucius stated that knowing what it is and how to be human is done through learning and gaining knowledge about humanity and by self-evaluation.