The Viewpoint of Life

The Viewpoint of Life By xxxxx xxxxxx Ethics: The Hallmark of Leaders at All Levels xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx

The Viewpoint of Life The Philosophy of Life Everything happens for a reason. Who does not believe in that saying? Everyone must have strong convictions to believe in the purpose of ones life. Why are we here? What is my

purpose? Am I supposed to be doing something great (or greater) with my life? are just among the questions pondered for many years by living humans. The answers that come to mind become the basis of the individuals philosophies of life. The philosophy of life is mainly developed and based on the difference of individual perspectives on how to live their lives. Theoretical and practical knowledge learned contribute in the development of life philosophies. The works and ideas of scholars and intellectuals such as the philosophers, ethical writers, and theorists also share some influences. Confucius from the East and Plato from the West are among the known philosophers and highly influential thinkers who imparted philosophies in life that served as mirrors of virtue. The two philosophers are among the names never missed in classroom discussions particularly when talking about ethics and philosophy. The readings and previous learning in different classroom settings lead me to think of these philosophers when I think about the philosophy of life. Confucius gained huge credits with his Golden Rule. The teaching aimed to provide guidance on living an ethical life stated as Treat others as you want to be treated. The core of Confucius-authored rule revolves in teaching people with guiding principles that can help them to live orderly and harmoniously as they learn to relate to society morally and sincerely while promoting good government that observe justice and equality. Followers of the Golden Rule live a life guided and inspired by the following virtues:

The Viewpoint of Life

1. Promotion of relations formed by members of the society in different levels such as childparent relations, friends to friends relations, individual to family relations, and societygovernment relations. 2. Promotion and cultivation of self-discipline, respect, concern, and love in any level of relationship without class distinction when governing the people. 3. Respect to elders and ancestors through practice of prescribed ancestral rites and rituals. 4. Preservation of family honors by all generations of the members of the family. Confucius teachings mainly target directing the followers to learn and appreciate their environment over themselves which is a way that can empower them to live a desirable and ethical life (Ross, 2008). Aristotle had his Golden Mean philosophy. He taught the Golden Mean aimed to live life with moderation taking a position in between the excessive and deficient ways as the ways of ethical living. Living with the Golden Mean does not only refer to financial and material aspects of life but covers the various spheres of actions and feelings in life (Tredennick, 2003). Among the virtues that accomplish the Golden Mean include courage as the moderated value in between fear and courage where an excess could result to rashness while deficiency leads to cowardice. Other moderated values representing the different spheres of actions and feelings include temperance, liberality, patience, modesty, righteousness, truthfulness, modesty, friendliness, wittiness, and proper ambition (Tredennick, 2003). Confucius untiringly preached the Golden Rule as a guiding principle in living an ethical life while Aristotle taught the Golden Mean as a pathway to an ethical well moderated life. Though the two rules highlight different technical concepts of living, the philosophies of the two

The Viewpoint of Life influential thinkers from east and west taught ethics seen as mirrors of virtue providing light to

live an ethical life. Both philosophies are geared toward shaping up simple and ethical good life. Practically, I would say that I have been having thoughts on what life means to me. Just like many men and women I have questioned myself many times about the purpose of my existence. I have read and studied philosophies in life of various scholars, intellectuals, and different people. The development of my philosophy in life has been influenced by various inspiring philosophies but I have not really compared and contrasted my own philosophy to others in formal way. The virtues and values that molded my personality, the dreams and ambitions, and the lessons life has thought throughout life served as the foundation and building blocks of my philosophy of life. My philosophy of life could be summarized as a life lived simple but righteous, never regretting for what is lost and missed, being thankful and appreciates the value of every gift of life. My philosophies in life may not completely follow every ideology of philosophies of Confucius and Aristotle but it follows the core principles of the virtues taught by Golden Rule and Golden Mean. Living simple life, in my opinion, mostly fit with the Golden Mean while living a righteous life would fit with the teachings of the Golden Rule. Do unto others what you want others do unto you as the golden guiding rule speaks with righteousness in ways of life. If the there are differences between my philosophy and the two discussed Golden philosophies, it would be on some detailed virtues and values. My philosophy in life may fall a bit short or a bit excess of the supposed mean in some spheres of actions and feelings. For instance, never regretting for what is lost and missed, and being thankful and learning to appreciate every gift of life may not suffice the requirements of the Golden Mean. My philosophy in life demonstrates significant inspiration from the Golden Rule yet may fall short

The Viewpoint of Life on some specific teachings. For instance, doing ancestral rites and rituals to show respect to the elders and ancestors would be definitely out of my spectrum. My philosophy may support that teaching but in different way other than doing rites and rituals. The core teachings of the Golden Rule and the Golden Mean when adapted and applied

practically as they fit on the current standards of living will definitely make life ethical. The core teachings of the Golden Rule of Confucius will significantly help in keeping fair and justified work environment. The great inspiration of Confucian philosophy will undoubtedly help keeping harmony in different levels of personal and professional relationships and partnership. The philosophies of Aristotle inspired by the Golden Mean will surely provide overflowing guidance that will help promote ethical behavior. With the Golden Mean, there will be moderation of the extremes of an action and feelings that usually hinder the door towards harmonious and successful way of living. The moderated way of life will help in the development of positive attitudes, concepts, and outlooks in life that can become the backbone of happy and fruitful living.

As creation endowed with inherent intelligence, every human being has the right to shape their lives and has the rights and responsibility to give meaning to their own lives. The purpose of ones life may be thought as life dedicated to help others, to improve the world, and to improve the human condition. Just like Confucius, Aristotle, and anyone else, I have my own philosophy of life. It may be similar or may also differ in some aspects if compared and contrasted to philosophies of life of others, but it is the philosophy developed as the outcome of the lessons, inspirations, and aspirations I have in life.

The Viewpoint of Life References Ross, K. (2012). Confucius Kung-Fu-tzu or Kongfuzi. Retrieved from http://www.friesian.com/confuci.htm Tredennick, H. Ed. (2003). The Nicomachean Ethics (Penguin Classics). New York: Penguin Classics.