Im having trouble interpreting these two confucius sayings
"There are seedlings that do not bear flowers. There are flowers that do not bear fruits."
"The people may be made to follow, but may not be made to know"
things may not do things the way it seems to be doing
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. For the first one, you might say "there are plants that have no flowers and plants with flowers that have no fruit. For the second, people can "blindly" follow someone.
To interpret the two Confucius sayings, let's break them down and try to understand their meaning.
1. "There are seedlings that do not bear flowers. There are flowers that do not bear fruits."
This saying is referring to the idea that not everything that appears promising or beautiful will necessarily lead to a successful outcome or productive result. In other words, just because something shows potential or seems impressive at first glance, it doesn't guarantee a positive outcome or fruitful result. This can apply to various aspects of life, such as relationships, projects, or endeavors.
To get a deeper understanding of this saying, you can consider the following steps:
a. Read about Confucius and his teachings: Understanding Confucius' philosophy and principles can shed light on his sayings. This will provide cultural and historical context that can aid in interpretation.
b. Analyze the saying: Break down the saying into smaller parts and consider each element separately. Seedlings refer to young plants, and flowers signify a stage of growth. The absence of fruits suggests that the plants are not productive or successful.
c. Relate it to broader contexts: Think about situations in life where something may appear promising or beautiful, but does not ultimately lead to the desired outcome. Reflect on instances where initial appearances can be deceiving.
2. "The people may be made to follow, but may not be made to know."
This saying points out the distinction between blindly following someone's instructions or authority and truly understanding or grasping the knowledge behind it. It suggests that it is possible to control or manipulate people's actions, but true understanding cannot be imposed upon them.
To interpret this saying:
a. Consider the teachings of Confucius: Familiarize yourself with Confucius' views on education, authority, and the relationship between rulers and their subjects. This will help you grasp the underlying philosophy behind the saying.
b. Break down the saying: Understand the intended meaning of "made to follow" and "made to know." Reflect on the distinction between following without understanding and actively seeking knowledge and comprehension.
c. Apply it to real-life contexts: Think about situations where people are compelled to follow certain rules or directives without truly understanding why. Consider the implications of this saying in areas such as education, leadership, or governance.
By researching Confucius, analyzing the sayings, and relating them to broader contexts, you can gain a clearer interpretation and understanding of these two sayings. Remember that interpretation may vary, and it can be helpful to consult different sources and perspectives to form a comprehensive understanding.