The Superior Person in Original Confucianism
Adam Dietz, Ph.D., Author of An Introduction to Confucianism
Original Date: Thursday, September 23, 2010

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The goal of Confucianism is for humanity to manifest the Way of Heaven on Earth. The 'chun tzu,' or superior person, provides a model for understanding and practicing the Way of heaven. The superior person has key personality traits that distinguish them from inferior people, or 'hsiao jen', primarily that they emphasize righteousness and virtue while inferior people emphasize profit. The superior person of original Confucianism provides the example of fulfilling the responsibility of humanity manifesting the metaphysical (Heaven) in the phenomenal (Earth), achieving a peaceful world from the inside out.

Adam Dietz completed his PhD in Asian and Comparative studies at the Institute of Integral Studies after living and teaching in Hunan, China. Adam's focus is in Chinese Philosophy; Confucianism, Taoism and Ch'an, or Zen Buddhism as well as Chinese Language and the philosophy and practice of TÕai Chi Chuan. Adam recently published An Introduction to Confucianism: the Self-Cultivation and Personality of the Superior Person. He currently lives in Petaluma with his wife and two year old son.

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