An attempt to elucidate notions of lifelong learning:analects- based analysis of confucius’ ideas about learning

Abstract

This study attempts to examine Confucius’ ideas about learning and seeks also to elucidate notions of lifelong learning. The examination will be focused on Confucius’ ideas concerning learning as revealed in the Analects. Confucius’ notion of learning offers an alternative perspective to overcome the idea of competition-directed lifelong learning. According to Confucius, learners should be oriented to learn for the sake of the “self” not “others.” Confucius’ notion of “self-realizing” learning holds that the self, being a part of interdependent relationships with others in society, attempts to utilize reflective learning to realize a unity of self and the society. However, if learners are oriented to learn ‘for the sake of others, ’ their learning efforts are rooted in selfishness-based competition, which threatens the interdependent nature of the human world. Confucius’ perspective of learning makes it clear that learning should be directed toward attaining a unity of self and the world. This unity is possible when a learner makes the effort of will to sincerely learn for the sake of the self and learns to attain an insightful understanding about interdependent life.