David Liu

704274342
Discussion Section E
1. Compare depictions of the ideal human being in Homers Odyssey, Ashvaghoshas Life of
Buddha, and Confuciuss Analects. What virtues characterize a good leader? What actions?
What goals do these leaders set for themselves?
bermensch
Single individuals were often valued in ancient civilizations as ideal beings that could
guide and conduct the masses. Ashvaghoshas Life of Buddha, Homers The Odyssey, and
Confuciuss The Analects, are texts which contain depictions of what it means be ideal. The texts
display the ideal human being as an individual who builds upon preexisting qualities and then
uses this growth to not only establish an ideology but also to unite and lead others. In this essay,
I will first discuss the factors behind the development of the individuals looked up to as ideal,
then I will expand on the work of these individuals and its influences on others as a testament to
their virtue.
The texts portray the ideal individual, not as one who is immediately faultless, but as one
capable of building upon themselves. For example, Siddhartha Gautama was not born the
enlightened Buddha. He lived much of his early life showered with sensual pleasures as his
father sheltered him within the palace walls. (Ashvaghosha, Life of Buddha 385) Thus, the young
Siddhartha was ignorant of anything that existed outside. However, Siddhartha was gifted with a
sensitive and empathetic nature. These qualities prompted him to relinquish luxury upon seeing
the Four Signs, outside the palace. He could not bear to indulge if such misfortunes of old age,
disease and death could strike at any moment. Upon self- reflection he came to the conclusion,
it would be unworthy and unbecoming if I, who am so constituted, should show no respect for
others whose constitution is essentially the same as mine. (Ashvaghosha, Life of Buddha 386388) Embracing his innate qualities allows him to express the compassion which would shape
the principles of his philosophy. Similarly, the development of Confuciuss ideals can be

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Discussion Section E
attributed mainly to a devotion to embodying the ideals he would preach. Although he does not
presume himself an ideal, he admits a constant aim toward being the better gentleman, and an
openness to sharing his knowledge with others. (Confucius, The Analects, 27) Constantly
seeking to improve himself, Confucius was a diligent student to lessons of the past, and he would
use this knowledge to intellectualize his teachings for the present. In contrast to possessing
qualities on which to expand an ideology, Odysseuss growth is centered on learning his place
among men. A hero coming out of the Trojan War, Odysseus the king of Ithaca already proved
himself clever and strong. However, because he is flawed, he exemplifies a character that also
has room to grow.
In addition to being capable of growth by nature, to face challenging situations, overcome
complications, and to learn from the lessons of such events is what allows for the development of
behavior towards an ideal. Confucius proposes that a person of high moral character need not be
flawless. He acknowledges that If he commits a fault, he should not shrink from correcting it.
(Confucius, The Analects, 4) In other words, a person does not have to remain infallible, but
instead should seek to maintain their character by remaining malleable and capable of amending
mistakes. Additionally, such self-development is considered a life-long pursuit. (Confucius, The
Analects, 6) Life will provide many opportunities for a person to make plenty of mistakes and
thus the ideal human being is not one who doesnt commit them, but one who learns from them.
Odysseus for example commits a fatal mistake early in his journeys. As stated, Odysseus, though
powerful and capable, was indeed flawed. This is most evident when he chooses to deal mad
trash talk to the Cyclops instead of escaping safely and quietly with his crew. He says, Cyclops
if any man on the face of the earth should ask you who blinded you, shamed you so say
Odysseus (Homer, The Odyssey, 227) and thus he seals his own fate by revealing his own

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Discussion Section E
name which would allow the Cyclops to properly address him when seeking Poseidons help for
revenge. Odysseuss excessive hubris angers the gods and his punishment results in a ten year
extension of his voyage home. The mistakes he commits on this journey teach not only the flaws
of his character, but that poor decisions have negative consequences. Having to undergo this long
voyage challenges Odysseus and provides the context for the lessons he has to learn. Even
Siddhartha met failure along the path to enlightenment. At first he believed the key to ending
suffering was to follow the regime of an ascetic. However, his self-denial eventually reduced
himself to skin and bone and thus he concluded that this was not the path to enlightenment. Hed
say, Only if the body is reasonably nourished can undue strain on the mind be avoided.
(Ashvaghosha, Life of Buddha, 391) It is his constant self-reflection and analysis of his actions
which allowed him to continue to seek the answers to ending suffering and reaching
enlightenment.
So given that they must undergo such experiences to reach an ideal state, what exactly do
these individuals then possess that differentiates them from who they were before? The
underlying theme is a deeper understanding of the values important to achieving their goal.
Odysseus learned the importance of patience and respect. He performed the proper rituals in
journeying to the underworld when Circe prophesized that is what he must do. (Homer, The
Odyssey, 248) He collects himself after his initial display of rash behavior and suffers through
ten years of misadventures. Eventually however, Odysseuss realizes the goal of returning home,
and his success despite the sidetracks and distractions is a testament to his perseverance. That he
was able to make it home meant he had fulfilled the purpose of his journey and gained the
wisdom he needed for the gods to deem it was no longer necessary to test him further. Although
Buddha and Confucius were mainly thinkers, the theories of thought they establish reflect the

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results of their aims to reach their respective goals. For Buddha The Four Holy Truths
summarized the answers he had sought. They laid out the given conditions and answer to the
problem of how does one end suffering. The holy eightfold path, would be the journey one
must undertake to cease the craving that causes suffering, and thus to reach enlightenment.
(Ashvaghosha, Life of Buddha, 398) What Buddha had done was establish the concepts of a
system others could follow to actualize themselves the same way Buddha had in becoming an
enlightened figure. He had developed the formula for reaching nirvana. Confuciuss teachings on
the other hand are based not on results, but again on a theme of constant self-improvement. To
be a superior being is not to be above anybody, nor to be one who is studied (Confucius,
Analects, 4). A true understanding of Confuciuss teachings would be reflected in a persons
behaviors, in the benevolence of their actions and in the strength of their character and to
demonstrate exemplary behavior is what it means to be learned.
Naturally, what comes next after establishing a set ideology is to share this knowledge.
Thus, the final aspect of what constitutes an ideal being is the use of knowledge to unite and lead
others. Because much of establishing an ideal is to discover and embody it by oneself, the best
method to lead is by example. In this case, Odysseuss character at the end of his journey
exemplifies a learned leader. At this point he has learned much from his journeys and reclaimed
his position as King of Ithaca, and is thus ready to lead his people a wiser man. However, the
principles of an ideal being are not learned from his character at the end but from the
development throughout the story. Although the character at the end of the journey is the one fit
to lead, we learn not from how who he is at the end of the story, but from the lessons of how he
arrived. What this means is that it was along his journey that Odysseus demonstrated qualities
valuable to being a leader would learn to balance his pride and respect. The idea of leading by

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Discussion Section E
example is also consistent with Confuciuss teachings in The Analects. According to Confucius,
If you promote the straight and set them above the crooked, the people will be obedient. If you
promote the crooked and set them above the straight, then the people will not be obedient.
(Confucius, Analects, 8) The leader he depicts leads not by virtue of position or command, but
through actions which reflect the elements of character and integrity he preaches. Confucius
himself would live up to his ideals, and he would passionately claim title to being an interpreter
of what he believed to be proper conduct (Confucius, Analects, 24). While this may be
paradoxical with Confuciuss view that he considers himself not the ideal gentlemen, it should
be understood that the ideal is not the end goal, but the process itself. To strive to encompass the
ideals of a gentleman is what makes the person, and Confucius spent his life living up to this. In
contrast, after reaching enlightenment Buddha himself was the epitome of his teachings. He
represented the end goal of his philosophy. He had reached a nirvana, enlightenment, and was
free from suffering. After he accomplishes this, he shares his knowledge for any willing
followers as this is an extension of his compassionate nature. He wishes for nobody to suffer and
thus if he was able to free himself, than anybody could accomplish the same.
In analysis of Buddha, Confucius and Odysseus, the parallels of these examples are the
foundations of the ideal person. The ideal human is thus a progressive individual, characterized
by a propensity for growth and leadership. Such qualities are not limited to certain individuals.
The ideal is merely a product of a certain context. Given different situations, a different problem
to address, the ideal being is not all encompassing, but an adaptation of the times. Thus given an
open mind and the right purpose, the ideal could be anybody.