The object of religion is to teach men how to rid themselves of selfishness, how to cultivate the sense of justice and how to sacrifice one’s own interests and even one’s own life to attain the goal of loving others and helping them.
Lifu Chen
The Goal of Loving Others
Topic: Serving Others
The object of religion is to teach men how to rid themselves of selfishness, how to cultivate the sense of justice and how to sacrifice one’s own interests and even one’s own life to attain the goal of loving others and helping them… Instruction in benevolence must start with the love of one’s family and relatives, and progress to kindness (benevolence) to other persons, and finally extend to kindness toward all other living things. The first objective [of life] is the ‘completion of self,’ or, the building of oneself into a man of perfect personality. The second objective is ‘the completion of things,’ which is the extension of the perfect personality to his common existence with others, and includes the increase of human well-being, the regulation of the family, proper government of the State, and world peace.
Lifu Chen, born on August 21, 1900, in Wuxing, Zhejiang, China, was a figure deeply invested in the exploration and dissemination of Confucian philosophy. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree at Peiyang College in Tianjin, he furthered his education in the United States, obtaining a Master's degree in mining engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1924. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for his later philosophical works.
Chen's most significant contribution to philosophy was his in-depth study of Confucianism, culminating in the publication of "The Confucian Way: A New and Systematic Study of the Four Books" in 1987. This work reflected his deep engagement with Confucian teachings, presenting key passages from the Four Books in an organized and accessible format. While his approach received some criticism for lacking in critical historical methodology and textual interpretation, it nonetheless marked a substantial effort to relate Confucian thought to contemporary audiences.
Throughout his life, Chen remained devoted to sharing his philosophical insights, engaging in public speaking and writing on various topics. His works and lectures often centered around the teachings of Sun Yat-sen, seeking to blend traditional philosophy with modern concepts. Lifu Chen passed away on February 8, 2001, in Taipei, leaving behind a legacy as a philosopher who sought to bridge the ancient wisdom of Confucianism with the challenges of the modern world.
The Confucian Way
Chen, Lifu. The Confucian Way: A New and Systematic Study of "The Four Books," trans. Shi Shun Lin. KPI, 1987] p. 584.
Lifu Chen
About This Lifu Chen Quotation [Commentary]
Lifu Chen’s quotation delves deeply into the core tenets of religion, suggesting its ultimate goal is to guide individuals toward self-transcendence for the betterment of others. Chen posits that the essence of religious teachings is the eradication of selfishness and the cultivation of justice and altruism. This perspective aligns with many spiritual and ethical systems, where the focus is not merely on personal salvation or enlightenment but on the broader impact of one’s actions and attitudes on the community and the world. By emphasizing the need to sacrifice personal interests and even one’s life, Chen speaks to a profound commitment to love and assist others, presenting this as the pinnacle of religious and moral achievement.
Expanding on this idea, Chen describes a pathway of benevolence that begins within the family and gradually extends outward to encompass all living beings. This hierarchical approach to kindness mirrors many traditional teachings, such as those found in Confucianism, where the cultivation of personal virtue is seen as the foundation for broader social harmony and peace. The concept of ‘completion of self’ is particularly significant, suggesting that true personal development involves not just self-improvement in isolation but also contributing positively to the lives of others. The ‘completion of things’ extends this notion to the societal level, advocating for a world where personal virtues are mirrored in social structures, leading to a more harmonious and peaceful world.
In the broader context of serving, Chen’s thoughts resonate powerfully. His emphasis on moving beyond self-interest to a life dedicated to helping others reflects a deep understanding of service as an integral part of human existence. The progression from self-love to universal benevolence outlined by Chen is a roadmap for anyone seeking to live a life of service. This journey of expanding one’s circle of concern, from the personal to the universal, embodies the essence of true service – not just as an action but as a way of being. In aligning personal development with the welfare of others and society, Chen’s philosophy offers a profound insight into how service can be a natural extension of personal growth and spiritual maturity.
Lifu Chen, The Confucian Way
The Confucian ethical ideals, like those of the Bible, emphasize benevolence, compassion, and love… Speech, too, should be ordered by purposefulness, truthfulness, sincerity, and honesty.
—Mose Durst, Ph. D. [Unification Culture and the 21st Century] p. 44.
Speech must be truthful and practicable
“Speech must be truthful and practicable. It should not be excessive; indeed it is sufficient if it conveys the meaning, for it can produce its effect only where its time, weight, and objects are just right.”
—Lifu Chen [The Confucian Way: A New and Systematic Study of the Four Books].
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