Not castrated bull—

Modern day man is castrated?

A bull is an intact (i.e., not castrated) adult male of the species Bos taurus (cattle). More muscular and aggressive than the females of the same species (i.e. cows proper), bulls have long been an important symbol in many religions, including for sacrifices. These animals play a significant role in beef ranching, dairy farming, and a variety of sporting and cultural activities, including bullfighting and bull riding.

Due to their temperament, handling of bulls requires precautions

Due to their temperament, handling a goals requires precautions?

I wonder if similarly, modern day man should consider himself the same. The modern day man, should be handled carefully, because men also have a certain temperament.

Systems of control

Why is it that, according to Confucianism, physicality or manliness is not encouraged?

“Regrets”?

How is it that my dad, this kind of strange, sickly, skinny fat loser of a man, dominate so much in the household, and also over my poor mom?

And also, why is it that in high school, when I gained full physical maturity, and physical and muscular dominance, that I did not intervene?

1. Language: Even though English is my dominant language, still in the family, I could not intervene in English? Because Korean was the de facto language of the household? I’ve actually found that in Asian, Asian American families, whatever… A lot of injustices from the parents to the kids, happens because of the language power barrier. Suggestion: speak English instead.
2. Confucianism: This is where kind of this weird moralistic training happened; that even though physically I could intervene, in terms of the universe worldview, I couldn’t? Intervention: fuck Confucianism!

What type of philosophy existed in China before Confucianism?

Before Confucianism became prominent, several schools of thought influenced Chinese philosophy, particularly during the period known as the Spring and Autumn period (approximately 771 to 476 BCE) and the Warring States period (475 to 221 BCE). The main philosophical strands that existed before and alongside the early development of Confucianism include:

1. Shamanism and Ancestor Worship: Early Chinese religious beliefs were characterized by shamanism, which involved communication with spirits and the worship of natural forces and ancestors. These practices laid the foundation for later philosophical and religious developments, emphasizing rituals and the veneration of ancestors, which were later integrated into Confucian rituals.
2. Legalism: Although Legalism reached its peak after Confucianism had begun to develop, it represents a set of earlier authoritarian principles focusing on strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain state control and social order. This philosophy was pragmatic and cynical about human nature, contrasting sharply with Confucian moral optimism.
3. Daoism (Taoism): While Daoism as a formal philosophy crystallized around the same time as Confucianism, the ideas that later became Daoist were already present. Daoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (the fundamental nature of the world), simplicity, spontaneity, and non-interference with the course of natural events, offering a counterpoint to the more social and ethical focus of Confucianism.
4. Mohism: Founded by Mozi, Mohism was contemporary with Confucianism and emphasized universal love, meritocracy, and practical problem-solving. Mohists believed in loving all people equally and opposed the Confucian emphasis on ritual and tradition, advocating instead for a utilitarian approach to governance and society.
5. Yin-Yang School and the Five Elements: These cosmological concepts were part of the intellectual milieu of the time. The Yin-Yang school focused on the interplay of opposite forces and their harmonious balance, while the Five Elements theory (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) described different states of change in the cosmos, influencing various schools of thought, including medicine and divination.

These diverse philosophies provided a rich intellectual context for the development of Confucianism, which, while initially just one among many competing schools of thought, eventually came to dominate Chinese thinking and social structure, particularly from the Han dynasty onward.

Confucius believed that prioritizing inner virtues over external attributes like physical strength would lead to a more harmonious and morally upright society for several reasons:

1. Moral Excellence: Confucius considered moral virtues such as benevolence, righteousness, and propriety to be the essence of human excellence. He believed that cultivating these virtues within individuals would lead to a more ethical and compassionate society.
2. Social Harmony: By emphasizing inner virtues, Confucianism promotes harmonious relationships within families, communities, and society as a whole. When individuals prioritize moral character, they are more likely to treat others with respect, empathy, and kindness, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
3. Ethical Leadership: Confucius emphasized the importance of ethical leadership in governance. Leaders who possess inner virtues are more likely to govern with fairness, justice, and compassion, promoting stability and prosperity within society.
4. Personal Fulfillment: According to Confucian teachings, true fulfillment comes from living a life guided by moral principles and ethical conduct rather than pursuing external achievements or material wealth. By focusing on inner virtues, individuals can achieve a sense of purpose, contentment, and fulfillment in their lives.

Overall, Confucius believed that prioritizing inner virtues was essential for creating a morally upright and harmonious society where individuals could fulfill their social roles with integrity and contribute positively to the greater good.