Confucius' Understanding of Music
Propriety is the generic term for the rites related to daily lives and social activities,which are used as codes of conduct for human behavior.The Duke of Zhou called for making rites and music at the same time,aiming to civilize people through discipline and self-discipline.Music could be used to adjust the temperament of people,while rites could be used to regulate the behavior of the people.Therefore,people would be willing to obey the social and ethical codes and behave in a proper way.Society would then be stable and people would live peaceful lives.
It's said that Confucius once listened to shao music,which was so wonderful that he had no taste even when eating meat.Confucius loved music very much.He pointed out,"It is by the Odes that the mind is aroused.It is by the Rules of Propriety that the character is established.It is from Music that the finish is received."This kind of thought has become an important direction for cultivating humanity.In his opinion,music was an important part for developing a majestic personality and enhancing morality.He believed music could play an important role in self-cultivation and safeguarding the stability of a state.
In the Analects of Confucius Shu Er,it says that when a song was good,Confucius would request it to be repeated and then he would join in the singing.It reflects that Confucius loved music and respected the singers.However,his thoughts about music also have something to do with hierarchy.Confucius said to the head of the Ji family,who had eight rows of pantomimes in his area fhe can bear to do this,what may he not bear to do?
In this story,Confucius thought the head of Ji family should not enjoy the music .He considered this to be in contempt of the King.
Confucius said ,"If a man is without the virtues proper to humanity,what has he to do with the rites of propriety?If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity,what has he to do with music?"He highly valued developing music by establishing rites and managing the country through propriety and music.
The function of music was also mentioned in the Analects of Confucius,such as:"The first to come observing ritual propriety and playing music was the simple folk;those who came later were the nobility.In putting ritual and music to use,I would follow those who came to them first."It reflects that Confucius considered music as one of the most important basis for selecting talents.
