Chapter IV, Confucianism, Confucius' Answer, Summary and Analysis

Confucius rejected both the Realist and Mohist concepts, stating that the first was too clumsy and external and the latter was too utopian. Confucius held fast to the idea of tradition as the answer to social order. Nevertheless, he understood that changes in the world precluded a complete reversal to past traditions. His approach was to redirect thinking into a conscious reorientation of traditional behaviors. This idea called for a conscious and constant direct evaluation of correct attitudes and internalizing them. The routine for this internalization included peer pressure and emulation of political leaders who were admired. The result of Confucius' teaching was to create a second nature for Chinese citizens for centuries to come.