Read the following verses from the Analects:

Question

“The Master said, ‘If one is guided by profit in one’s actions, one will incur much ill will.’”
“The Master said, ‘The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understands what is profitable.’”
Based on these verses, what does Confucius recognize about specific attitudes toward specific social classes in ancient China?

The low positions held by the Nong meant that they were seen by the higher-ranking members of Chinese society as being lazy and greedy.

The Shi were held in low esteem because they did not practice moral behavior when running the government.

The Gong were held in lower respect than the Shang because they produced goods with their hands.

The Shang class were viewed with disrespect because their greed threatened natural harmony.

Answer 1

Based on the verses from the Analects, Confucius emphasizes the distinction between moral values and profit-oriented behavior, which reflects his views on social classes in ancient China.

1. The gentleman (or "junzi") is portrayed as someone who understands and prioritizes moral values over profit, indicating a higher moral standing and a sense of responsibility in their actions.
2. In contrast, the small man (or "xiaoren") is depicted as someone who is primarily motivated by profit, which leads to ill will and a lack of ethical considerations.

From this perspective, we can infer the following attitudes toward social classes:

• The Nong (peasant class) may indeed have been viewed with suspicion as driven by self-interest, which could align with the perception of being lazy or greedy, though the verses don’t explicitly state this.
• The Shi (scholar-official class) might have been discredited if they did not adhere to moral ethics while governing, which resonates with Confucian ideals stressing the importance of moral leadership.
• The Gong (artisans) could be considered of lower respect due to their manual labor, which may not be viewed as noble compared to scholarly pursuits.
• The Shang (merchants) were likely seen negatively due to their association with greed and the disruption of moral and social harmony.

In conclusion, Confucius's teachings highlight the importance of morality over profit, suggesting a critical view of those motivated solely by personal gain, which applies across the differing social classes within the context of ancient Chinese society.