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?

(1 point)
Responses

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 these verses, Confucius recognizes that the attitude towards profit and moral behavior varied among different social classes in ancient China. He suggests that the small man, likely referring to the lower social classes, is more focused on pursuing personal gain and profit, while the gentleman, likely referring to the higher social classes, understands and values moral behavior. Confucius implies that being guided by profit in one's actions can lead to ill will and suggests that the gentleman, who understands what is moral, is more noble than the small man who only understands what is profitable. Confucius does not specifically mention any particular social classes or their respective attitudes and behaviors in these verses.