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A poem for the source of living water.
Reflections on reading.

Chu Hsi

Half an acre of square pond opened, and the sky was overcast.

Ask the canal to be so clear, because there is flowing water at the source.

Do as you would be done by.

Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you "is not the way of life, because Confucius put forward this view in a specific environment.

First of all, let's see where "don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you" comes from.

The original text of this sentence is in The Analects of Confucius:

1, Chinese document kernel. Confucius said, "Going out is like seeing a distinguished guest, which makes people like bearing a big sacrifice. Don't do what you don't want, don't do it in the state, and don't complain at home. " Zhong Gong said, "Yong Min, please talk to me!"

It can be seen that Confucius is not talking about the principle of doing things in general, but has a definite aim. Zhong Gong (ran yong) is a model of generosity and wisdom among Confucius' disciples. In the eyes of Confucius, this man is the material of a vassal state. Therefore, Confucius discussed that "benevolence" is embodied in valuing, forgiving and loving the people from the aspect of governing the country. States refer to vassal States; Home refers to the doctor's fief, not to the family.

2. "Zi Gong asked,' Who has a word that can be done all his life?' Confucius said,' I forgive you. Do to others what you don't want them to do to you. "

This is easier to understand. Zi Gong (name, Duanmu Ci) is eloquent, proficient in business and tired at home. In daily life, of course, he can't avoid occasional verbal disputes. Confucius thinks this is a defect of Zigong's personal cultivation, so he often reminds him to learn to be tolerant.

To sum up, the phrase "Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you", like any other famous saying, does not apply to all situations. Confucius said this sentence in specific circumstances, and it is absolutely impossible to generalize and take it out of context.

In addition, from this sentence itself to analyze:

1, "Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you", and your own likes and dislikes cannot be equated with the likes and dislikes of others. What you don't like doesn't necessarily mean that others don't like it, and what you like doesn't necessarily mean that others are willing. Clothing, food, housing and transportation, treating people with things, different personal qualities and personalities will have different values.

2. "Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you" depends on what it is and for whom. From a legal point of view, this sentence simply doesn't hold water. Because the law is mandatory for offenders. Will law enforcers really become stupid because of a word from Confucius?

In short, no matter whose famous words are, they all have specific historical background, social environment and language environment, and even the speaker's personal likes and dislikes. When quoting, we must be able to prove ourselves properly.