Analysis
Thesis:
In this passage Confucius outlines what features are close to virtue. According to him, such features are firmness, endurance, simplicity, and modesty. Interestingly that the scholar does not refer to them as virtues but uses the phrase “near to virtue”
Reasons:
There cannot be virtue without firmness. It is firmness that allows a person to stand against all difficulties the life may bring.
Similarly, there is no virtue without endurance. It is endurance which enables people to keep going in their lives despite all the obstacles.
One may think how simplicity can contribute to virtue. The answer seems to be obvious. Simplicity as opposed to complicity makes our minds clear. When one’s mind is clear, he or she is able to see the solution, he or she would not able to notice while complicating the life with many unnecessary things.
Finally, modesty constitutes a great contribution to virtue. It allows people to stay connected with reality. Connection with reality is important to retain virtue because such a connection allows finding feasible solutions whether in everyday life, work, science, management and so on.
Analysis:
It is seems that the Confucian wisdom is still relevant today. While looking at modern people, who managed to be successful, one may find that it is firmness and endurance which became the major factor of success. For instance, there were times, when immensely popular now actress Jennifer Aniston struggled to find a decent acting job. It is endurance and firmness, which made her keep going and survive through hard times. At the same time, it is doubtful that in our time simplicity can be a virtue. We now live in highly sophisticated and competitive world. Therefore, in order to succeed, one should be sophisticated as well. Modesty is still relevant to possess a virtue. It is still important to keep connection with the real word to …