Confucius is not in line with inhumanity.
First, under no circumstances can we agree to such a judgement that freedom is simply about following emotional instinct. Pain and pleasure are not our sovereign masters. As Kant suggests, our rational capacity makes us distinctive from the animals. Freedom is not doing what we want or avoiding pain. The so-called freedom is actually just acting according to natural necessity.
For Kant, freedom is the opposite of necessity. Respect human dignity means regarding persons not just as means but also as ends in themselves.This is why it is wrong to use people for the sake of other people's well-being or happiness.
Freedom is autonomous instead of heteronomous.
Second, Li or rituals are not just about organizing and structuring social and personal behaviors. The connotation of Li includes many aspects, not only formal etiquette, but also ethics, social order, governance, etc. It is related to benevolence, reason, empathy, and so on. Humans are not animals that act solely based on instinct. Sometimes following etiquette may seem to bring 'pain' and 'restraint', but it brings long-term benefits. True freedom is not just about momentary joy. People are social animals, and are the sum of their social relationships. If we all act in pursuit of momentary pleasure and disrupt social order, we cannot enjoy the benefits of a well-regulated social order. Third, The traditional Chinese social and economic structure requires "Li", which is a norm and a code that represents order and stability. From a political perspective, "Li" is the foundation of governing a country and the fundamental way to maintain social stability. Li is the application of heavenly principles in human society, and its purpose is to maintain social order and regulate interpersonal relationships.
From an economic perspective, "Li" is also essential. In traditional society, people need cooperation to improve productivity, and "Li" is an important driving force to promote cooperation. Ancient China was a farming civilization, and in agricultural production, people need to follow the "Li" of observing seasonal changes, respecting the elderly and caring for the young, and helping each other to ensure the smooth progress of production. At the same time, "Li" also regulates people's behavior in economic activities, such as commercial transactions, thus ensuring the stability and sustainable development of economy.
"Li" plays an important role in China's traditional political and economic structures. It not only regulates people's behavior, promotes social stability and prosperity, but also embodies people's pursuit of order, respect, and harmony.
•Metaphysics and monotheism
1.Metaphysics
First, western philosophers have a strong thirst for knowledge about the unknown things. They not only focus on the specific things, but also pursue a deep understanding of the essence and principles. Curiosity drives them to explore the existence beyond the sensory experience, thus providing the ideological basis for the emergence of metaphysics.
Second, western philosophers attach great importance to the analysis and reasoning of language and concepts. Through dialogue and debate, they try to find a deeper truth in the phenomenal world. For example, Socrates' metaphysical view, which emphasizes the importance of human self-knowledge and wisdom. He believes that through thinking and dialogue, people can transcend the sensory experience and realize the essence and existence of reality.
2.monotheism
Monotheism believes there is only one inclusive god, which imainly refers to high level monotheism, such as Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. These religions all regard the gods that they worship as the sole creator of the universe and the sourceof all things.
Ancient Greek and ancient Roman societies experienced great changes between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. With the formation of the city-state system, the development of commerce and the political stability, people began to pursue a higher spiritual life, hoping to have a unified belief to meet their spiritual needs.
Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers raised many basic questions about the nature of the universe and the existence of human beings, such as what is the origin of the world? Is there a soul or an entity? The exploration of these issues provides the theoretical basis for the emergence of monotheism.
•Maritime Countries and Continental Countries
The difference between Continental civilization and Marine civilization is an important reason for westerners 's misunderstanding of "Li"
Continental civilization is usually characterized by stability and conservatism. It tends to maintain the existing culture and ideas, holds a conservative attitude towards new cultures and ideas, and has high cultural conservatism and stability.
Continental civilization is usually based on agriculture and has a strong dependence on land, which also affects cultural, political and social systems.
Continental civilization usually has the characteristics of power centralization and hierarchy, which are also reflected in the political, economic and social systems.
However, Marine civilization is usually characterized by openness and inclusiveness, and it is good at absorbing and accepting different cultures and ideas, and has high cultural diversity and innovation.
It usually has the characteristics of developed trade and commerce, and it is good at using Marine resources for trade and commercial activities, which also promotes cultural exchanges and economic development.
Marine civilization is inclined to individualism and liberalism, and sometimes fails to understand the idea of Continental civilization.