‘從心所欲、不踰矩’를 통해 본 공자의 인성론

Abstract

The Treatise of Human Nature which aims to search for human nature has various discussions and theories and is also the origin of developmental debates, represented by the theory that human nature is fundamentally good and the ethical view that human nature is evil. The treatise of human nature of Confucius represented his view of life and the treatise developed indirectly and quietly through the concept of secularity, instead of visible and direct ways. Confucius focused his main attention on the realization of moral nature universally immanent to all the human beings in society and in that sense, to him, secularity is not denied in terms of abstinence, but it rather means the realization of secularity that agrees with propriety, social norms. A man of virtue will pursue ethical life, while secular persons seeking after only practical interests and fame in their life. After all, noble men and secular ones should be distinguished each other by their acquired habits although they have common nature. To become a man of character, it is urgently needed that learning helps to get good habits. One could overcome the bridle of desire for materials and realize a life conforming with moral nature through improvement his mind.