The Useless Tree

Confucius/Confucianism

  • John McCain is a Little Person

    As the McCain campaign descends further and further into ugly sleaze and erratic posturing, two passages from the Analects remind us that he is, indeed, a small person. The Master said: "The noble-minded are calm and steady.  Little people are… Continue reading

  • More Thoughts on the Economic Crisis

    The Master said: "Poor food and water for dinner, a bent arm for a pillow – that is where joy resides.  For me, wealth and renown without honor are nothing but drifting clouds." Analects, 7.16      Things are starting to… Continue reading

  • Happy Belated 2559th birthday

    Sunday was the birthday of Confucius.  I knew it was right around this time, but I missed it.  Something about the economic crisis and the insane presidential election distracted me.  Oh well.  Better late than never: Happy Birthday Confucius.  … Continue reading

  • Thoughts in the Midst of a Financial Crisis

    Well, it's been a busy weekend for the captains of American finance.  Not quite the way they want to spend a Saturday and Sunday.  With Lehman Brothers bankrupt and Merrill Lynch sold off and AIG teetering on the brink of… Continue reading

  • After Kim

    News reports are circulating that Kim Jong-il, the supreme leader of North Korea, may have "suffered a serious health setback:" U.S. intelligence officials said today that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il may have suffered a serious health setback, amid… Continue reading

  • The Politics of Virtue Ethics

         Here's an idea: John McCain is running a virtue ethics political campaign.      Virtue ethics holds that "doing the right thing" is not determined by evaluating the consequences of specific actions or decisions (consequentialism), nor is it a matter… Continue reading

  • Bill Clinton, Confucian Gentleman

    OK, maybe it seems a bit perverse to suggest Bill Clinton is a Confucian gentleman, but that thought came to my mind tonight as I watched his speech to the Democratic Party Convention.  This line, in particular, struck me (transcript… Continue reading

  • So, The Question is: Does the Way Abide in the Contemporary US?

    The Master said: "Love learning and trust it deeply.  Guard the Way of virtue and benevolence unto death.  Never enter a dangerous country, and never inhabit a country in turmoil."When all beneath Heaven abides in the Way, make yourself known;… Continue reading

  • Confucius on Strategy

    The Master said: "If things far away don't concern you, you'll soon mourn things close at hand." (15.12) Continue reading

  • The Silences of Confucius

    I have mentioned these several times over the life of this blog but I don't think I have ever referenced them specifically.  Let me do so here. Adept Kung said: "When the Master talks about civility and cultivation, you can… Continue reading