With regards to “daily life,” Confucianism stresses that proper rites should be applied and followed at all times. Whether in a family or in society, the real reason behind acting in accordance with rites is to achieve “harmony.” In addition to being properly fed and clothed, human beings differ from animals in their ability to act according to li, reason and rites, which can provide order and harmony for society. To realize this goal, each culture has established certain rites for people to rely on and follow. These objective rites are initiated by wise sages in accordance with their perception of human nature. For example, how should a father treat his children with love and compassion, a child show filial piety towards his or her parents, an older brother be friendly to his younger brother and a younger brother show respect to his older brother. At the same time, each person should maintain his or her own character and should not have to conform to other people’s standards. It is important that each individual respects the uniqueness of others in order to live harmoniously in a society. Confucius believed people should elevate their existence to a higher level of living. He describes his ideal world of datong, or great harmony, as follows: “Honesty and trust are promoted, and good neighborliness cultivated. All people respect and love their own parents and children, as well as the parents and children of others. The aged are cared for until death; adults are employed in jobs that make full use of their abilities; and children are nourished, educated, and fostered. Widows and widowers, orphans and the old without children, the disabled and the diseased are all well taken care of. Every man and woman has an appropriate role to play in society and in the family. They hate to see resources lying idle or cast away, yet they do not necessarily keep them for themselves. They hate not to make use of their abilities, yet they do not necessarily work for their own self-interest. Thus intrigues and conspiracies do not arise, and thievery and robbery do not occur; therefore doors need never be locked.”

Review by Su-Fen Lin and Timothy Baker Jr.