Day 1 – Intergenerational Learning
Day 1:
Intergenerational Learning
Live Like a Confucian
Important Note: Because this assignment requires coordinating a conversation with someone else, it might be difficult for you to complete this exercise today. Make a plan today for when you’ll do it, and do it today if possible. If you complete it on a different day, then turn in your journal reflection under “Day 1” as well as doing the reflection for that day in the appropriate place.
Background
One who reanimates [lit. warms up] the old in order to understand the new — such a person can be called a teacher. (Analects 2:11)
The Master said, You must always be aware of the age of your parents. On the one hand, it is a cause for rejoicing, on the other, a source of anxiety. (Analects 4:21)
The Master said, I transmit rather than invent. I trust in and love the ancient ways. I might thus humbly compare myself to Old Peng. (Analects 7:1)
Confucians — especially those who follow Mengzi’s lead — believe that we have innate, proto-moral emotional promptings that help us to know what to do. You will explore these in a subsequent exercise. But even Mengzi held that such “sprouts” needed to be cultivated through an intentional process of learning, and for all Confucians, one of the most important sources of learning is our elders and the tradition that they represent. By seeking to learn from our elders, we show them a crucial kind of respect, we demonstrate that we are open to their wisdom, and give ourselves a way to “reanimate” their values and insights. Kongzi’s notion of “transmitting” instead of “inventing” does not mean to slavishly follow the past, but it does expect us to genuinely explore and learn from — indeed, to “love” — the “ancient ways.”
Today's Exercise
Arrange to speak with one of your elders and ask them to share something about their values or lessons that they have learned from life. (It is okay to tell them that is a class assignment, in case they are surprised to be asked!) Use your judgment on whom to speak with; often a grandparent is best, but choose whoever makes the most sense in your situation. They do not have to be a relative, if someone else fits the role of “elder” better for you.
After completing the assigned exercise for today, click here to access the prompt for tonight’s reflection and to submit your 1-2 paragraph journal entry.