일과 직업에 대한 공자의 사상

Abstract

Confucius led a life of diligence and hard work as he actively participated in economic activities to make a living-through works that require physical labor such as raising cattle and managing storage. Thus, he understood the significance of securing economic foundations in one’s life, and he also had a positive outlook on the meaning of work. Confucius neither denied nor discounted the pursuit of profit, but he criticized the loss of essential values in prioritizing the pursuit of profit. If an economic activity is based on the virtue of humanities and justice, Confucius actively advocates and encourages the pursuit of profit. The condition, however, is clear. The pursuit of profit must be founded on the principles of justice. Profit can have a positive value only when it is earned by fair means. For Confucius, the worldly values such as wealth and prestige are valuable only when they are in line with the strict moral standards. When they were at odds with the morals, one should abandon wealth and prestige to seize moral virtue. Occupational activities that seek profit, for Confucius, is important as a starting point, because it constitutes an economic foundation for a higher moral life. Confucius values cultivating a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the world more than gaining professional knowledge or skills. Confucian emphasis on holistic knowledge is not a disregard of professionalism but a discreetness that allows professionalism to become something truly meaningful. For one’s breadth of knowledge and perspective enhances creativity, I suggest that Confucian thoughts on knowledge coincides with the model intellectual of our times. In addition, since specialization of work alienates individuals while maximizing efficiency, Confucian philosophy is also a humanistic one that is against regarding humans as mere components. For Confucius, the ultimate goal of life is to embrace the present life and to enjoy one’s own life more than anything else in the world. The highest achievement, therefore, is when one can enjoy oneself regardless of one’s current condition or one’s profession. Enjoying work means being able to naturally immerse oneself through inner morals that acknowledge the positive value of work and find pride in one’s work. Confucius articulates the core principles regarding how one should approach work and profession throughout his works. In sum, one should seek profit within the boundaries of the moral laws, strive to gain a comprehensive understanding of the society that makes the foundation of professional knowledge or skills, and enjoy work as one immerses oneself in it with confidence and pride. These principles have been inherited and developed in the longer Confucian tradition after Confucius himself. Moreover, they continue to be relevant today, especially when we consider the ethics of profession that the current moment requires.