The analysis of Liénú Zhuán’s Bibliographies of Exemplary Women is an integral piece of work that illustrates the life of devotion and commitment to Confucian and Confucianism values. The book advancing Confucian values is designed to create awareness of the moral education of women in the traditional China. The selected bibliographies comprise of women in high places that would serve as a examples to the society. Women who possessed power and influence which marks the epitome of the society. The selection of bibliographies of women discussed in this paper comprise of Empress Zhao Feiyan (c. 32 BCE – 1 BCE), Empress Wang (8 BCE – 23 BCE), and Empress Ma (40-79 CE)[1]. The selection of women is designed to serve as examples of a life live in compliance and abonnement of Confucian values. Hence, serve as models to be emulated by present and future crop of women in the society to live a life of good moral characters, benevolence, and justice.
Reason for the Inclusion as Examples of Exemplary Women
The common characteristic indicated by these three women comprise of a life of duty and devotion amidst experiencing pain in their respective lives. Empress Feiyan was consumed of jealous as she lost favor from Emperor Cheng and was childless[2]. The pain of being childless and remaining resilient and devoted to morals is a profound teaching of the Confucian values. Empress Wang lost her husband Emperor Ping and assumed temporary status as Empress Dowager. This set the life of unhappiness that she experienced in her life. Empress Ma lived a life of simplicity and became Empress Dowager Ma. As per see, she lived her life with humility and good judgement which marks the total compliance and following of the Confucian principles and values[3].
Lesson to be Learned, Consideration to be Principled and Righteous and Illustration of Confucian Value by the Bibliographies
The lessons presented in the bibliographies of the exemplary women illustrate a life well-lived being informed by the core values advanced by Confucianism. Such include the prioritization of human heartedness which these women despite being in a position of power and influence lived true to in their lives. Also, goodness, kindness, and humility is a crucial value of Confucianism. The need for people to live a life true to the self and others indicates the exemplary living by such women[4]. As well, dignity for human life and commitment to human kind is a major feature which guide the actions of the individual.
The epitome is indicated by the level of benevolence that these women show to others. As such, these are great lessons to be learned indicating the nature and kind of life that people should live. Hence, the lessons learned indicate by example the pursuance and live true to Confucianism values and applied in practical means[5]. This is a righteous and principled living that despite their position and social status in the society, the women do not waiver from their commitment to human kind[6]. This indicates the epitome of a moral life which every individual in the society should strive to lead. The position, social or economic status is non-essential to living true to Confucianism philosophy. Therefore, it is integral that life is appreciated and lived in a principled and righteous manner.
Bibliographies
Leese-Messing, Kathrin. “Exemplary Women of Early China. The Lienü zhuan of Liu Xiang.” (2015): 189-192.
Hinsch, Bret. “Exemplary Women of Early China: The Lienü Zhuan of Liu Xiang, translated and edited by Anne Behnke Kinney, 2014.” Nan Nü 17, no. 2 (2015): 309-312.
Kinney, AB. Exemplary Women of Early China: The Lienü zhuan of Liu Xiang. Columbia University Press, 2014.
Csikszentmihalyi, Mark. “Confucius.” (2020).
Woods, Peter R., and David A. Lamond. “What would Confucius do?–Confucian ethics and self-regulation in management.” Journal of Business Ethics 102, no. 4 (2011): 669-683.
Schenck, Andrew, and Merissa Waddey. “Examining the Impact of Confucian Values on Leadership Preferences.” Journal of Organizational and Educational Leadership 3, no. 1 (2017): n1.
[1] Leese-Messing, Kathrin. “Exemplary Women of Early China. The Lienü zhuan of Liu Xiang.” (2015): 189-192.
[2] Hinsch, Bret. “Exemplary Women of Early China: The Lienü Zhuan of Liu Xiang, translated and edited by Anne Behnke Kinney, 2014.” Nan Nü 17, no. 2 (2015): 309-312.
[3] Kinney, AB. Exemplary Women of Early China: The Lienü zhuan of Liu Xiang. Columbia University Press, 2014.
[4] Csikszentmihalyi, Mark. “Confucius.” (2020).
[5] Woods, Peter R., and David A. Lamond. “What would Confucius do?–Confucian ethics and self-regulation in management.” Journal of Business Ethics 102, no. 4 (2011): 669-683.
[6] Schenck, Andrew, and Merissa Waddey. “Examining the Impact of Confucian Values on Leadership Preferences.” Journal of Organizational and Educational Leadership 3, no. 1 (2017): n1.
