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The two texts highlight the importance of proper behavior in ancient China. The similarities and differences in the two texts show how life was in ancient China. Confucius Analects and The Writings of Master Han Fei, are similar in their portrayal of life in ancient China. However, the two authors have different perspectives on issues related to human nature, moral codes of conduct and leadership.
Confucius writings place a high importance on human nature and behavior in society. He praises men who have good virtues because they easily form strong mutual relationships in societies where they live. He argues that these people have a positive social approach to life which makes other people to emulate their actions and conduct.
They have a deep understanding of societal norms and behavior expected of them as members of the society. Confucius believes that men who display high moral standards have the necessary qualities to become leaders (Coallier 85). Confucius views are similar to the opinions of Han Fei, who believes strong leaders are able to maintain public order in the society.
Both authors agree that good public manners, public order and integrity, determine the level of prosperity a society is going to have. Han Fei argues, Therefore, the intelligent sovereign makes the law, selects men and makes no arbitrary promotion himself (Brindley 172).
He argues that every person in the society has a responsibility to ensure that proper codes of conduct are observed when leaders perform their duties. Han Fei emphasizes on the need for good laws in maintaining order. Good laws need to be conformed to by all in the society. A state where citizens observe law and order becomes strong and powerful.
The two authors agree that proper moral codes in the society bring about positive change in the way people live. Confucius argues that people are likely to emulate or disobey a leader because of the moral traits he projects. He feels that people are likely to follow a leader without being pushed if his social conduct is beyond reproach (Coallier 89).
He insists that a virtuous leader practices kindness because this replicates the feelings his subjects have towards him and his leadership. He asserts that leaders can impact on masses positively, if they encourage them to observe good moral codes. People need to be educated for them to behave well.
Han Fei argues that a ruler needs to surround himself with men of virtue, who have high moral standards. He observes that for any society to be strong and powerful, people must observe laws which enforce moral standards. All individuals must be equal before the law. A leader who respects and enforces the law makes his society prosperous.
He argues that a leader should exercise his authority fully for people to have proper discipline. This makes it possible for public order to prevail. Han Fei insists that leaders must measure up to the expectations of their subjects, so that all activities run smoothly (Brindley 174). Both authors value the level of influence leaders and the aristocracy have on other people in the society.
Even though the two writers value the influence leaders have in maintaining social tranquility, they have different views on how leaders should exercise their power. Han Fei differs from Confucius because he advocates for leaders to rule through the law.. Han Feis argues that the law is a tool which the government uses to control its people.
He has a cynical attitude towards human nature; he describes all individuals as selfish and evil. He asserts that leaders can use the law to reward obedient citizens and punish wayward, disobedient citizens (Brindley 176). He argues that a strong leader deters errant members of a society from doing evil deeds because of severe punishments they are likely to experience.
Confucius has a different perception on how a government should maintain public order and tranquility. He argues that leaders who maintain positive relations with their subjects, are likely to hold power for long (Coallier 92). He perceives human nature as inherently virtuous and as such, leaders should use their charisma and moral influence to win the support of people they lead.
He believes moral education and codes of conduct are the most effective means through which a leader can reform the society. Confucius is of the view that a leader should not impose his will on people without taking time to understand them. He maintains that a leader should rally his people towards a cause that is beneficial to the whole society, for him to be valued.
Han Fei argues that leaders should carefully balance between patronage and punishment, to remain influential in their societies. He observes that this is the only way through which merit and good behavior in the society can be encouraged. If leaders offer rewards to virtuous members of a society, other people will be motivated to be virtuous so that they get rewarded (Brindley 178).
The law should be used to reward people that have shown merit in what they do and punish those who go against the set moral standards. He emphasizes that for the law to be effective, it must be simple for everyone in the society to understand it.
Confucius emphasizes that good governance by leaders influence people positively. He argues that leaders need to restrict the manner in which they exercise their powers to maintain good relations with their subjects. He does not advocate for leaders to use punishments to reform errant members of the society.
He does not think that punishments are the most effective ways through which a leader can make his subjects obedient (Coallier 95). He insists that the only way leaders can exercise control over their people is by winning their confidence through acts of compassion. Confucius believes that a strong society, is one where a leader has strong character and is ready to serve his people.
Han Fei has a low opinion of morality in the society, as he believes human beings are naturally selfish and evil. He believes that rulers should only be kind to people that display selfless behavior and integrity. Leaders should reward people who are obedient and punish those who are disobedient.
He believes that members of a society need an incentive for them to act in a desirable way (Brindley 180). The only incentive that leaders can offer people who display merit are in form of rewards as stipulated by the law.
In conclusion, the two authors value the need for a strong governing authority in the society. However, Confucius arguments are mainly influenced by moralist principles, while Han Fei has a more pragmatic and cynical view of human nature.
Works Cited
Brindley, Erica. Human Agency and the Self in Thought and Politics. Hawaii: University Of Hawaii Press, 2010. Print.
Coallier, Julien. Confucius Analects: Digital Age Edition. Bloomington: Book Tango, 2012. Print.
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