Book read: Confucius

Nourishment for the soul. At a time when the threat of the Earth being destroyed by nuclear war is a real concern, the words in this book hold great significance. “Confucius always looked to the future of humanity with optimism. People are not so foolish as to bring their own species to extinction.” “It is unfortunate that I cannot see in my lifetime a bright human society, peaceful national relations, and a bright world based on peace. But such times will surely come after my death.”

Category: Book review

Author: Yasushi Inoue

Genre: Novel

Publisher: Shinchosha

Published: 2010-01-30

A historical novel that portrays the human image of Confucius, who lived in the turbulent era of the late Spring and Autumn Period, 2,500 years ago. It explores the background of the words of Confucius, as recorded in the "Analects," and delves into the purpose of his 14-year-long exile and travels. Through the perspective of a fictional disciple narrating the wandering of Confucius and his students in the chaos of the Central Plains, it provides…

Not abandoning humanity. This attitude can save humanity. There can be no happiness in forsaking humanity. “As long as humans are born on this Earth, no matter how chaotic the world becomes, we must secure at least the bare minimum of happiness – ‘I am glad to have been born in this world!’ – that kind of happiness must be ensured.” “No matter how chaotic the world becomes, you must not take away from humans what they call their hometown. If you take it away, you must naturally return something in its place. That is the essence of politics.”