In response to a post on the existential thinking of Albert Camus:
It so happens, in the book I'm writing, that I'm comparing Confucianism with Western existentialism; the former talks of life in the affirmative-- cultivate yourself, understand yourself and others, practise Ren ( humanity), be virtuous and ethical, serve your family, society and the nation, create social harmony and stability, know your role, duties and responsibilities, don't speculate on the metaphysical and the after-life (we know so little of life, why discuss death?), follow the Tao (the Way), live in harmony with your fellow-beings and the Universe, follow the Middle Path, live simply, be fair in all dealings with others, be the Superior Person who talks of value , not the inferior person who seeks only profit, know your faults and don't fail to correct them, acquire all the arts, call things by their proper names, write and speak with clarity, learn from past sages, be humble, don't do to others what you wish not to be done to you, hold everyone as your brother or sister, pursue only ethical pleasures, control your passions, act always in decorum, follow traditions and etiquette, death is not to be feared. (In contrast with Western existentialism, there is no sense of meaninglessness, despair, angst, futility or monotony in Confucianism). Copyright 2025, Peter Lim