When I think about which presidential candidate most exemplifies the principles of Confucianism, I can't help but immediately think of Dr. Ben Carson. The core values of Confucianism are ritual, social roles (humans owe each other goodness and humanity) and efficient action (following social norms and becoming a harmonious member of society). Ben Carson follows Confucius's ideas of social roles and efficient action.
Dr. Carson grew up in very poor circumstances in Detroit, Michigan. His father was not in the picture and his mother worked two and sometimes three jobs to support her family. This meant that Ben and his brother, Curtis might go days without seeing their mother. The difficulties their family faced left Ben angry and failing in school. His mother valued education and worked very hard to ensure that Ben and his brother focused on school. In time, Ben rose to top and graduated from high school with honors. He worked his way through Yale and then went to the School of Medicine at the University of Michigan.
Even with all of these successes, Ben still had a raging temper that sometimes became violent. He recognized that he was making everything about him and decided to change. He changed his behavior and soon he prospered.
He accepted a residency at one of the United States leading hospitals, Johns Hopkins. He excelled and soon become the chief resident in neurosurgery. This led him to a job in Australia, where he excelled and participated in several surgeries separating Siamese Twins. Eventually, he returned to Johns Hopkins and became the Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery.
He is a philanthropist who travels extensively to schools and hospitals to tell his story of achieving success in spite of his difficult childhood. His dedication to helping young people led to him establishing the Carson Scholarship Fund in 1994.
Dr. Ben Carson exhibits Confucianism by being a harmonious member of society and by showing goodness and humanity through his efforts in helping others.
I agree with what you said about Ben Carson. I don't know much about the other candidates, but he seems like a very good one. He has overcome so much in his life and maybe that will help him.
ReplyDeleteI also agree, Ben Carson has come so far with his life and only wants the best for the citizens of the United States. His following of the core values, ritual, social roles and efficient action show his ideals of Confucius teachings. Ben is religious and wants the best for all. Carson seeks to overcome all obstacles and shows acceptance to all. I am not sure about the other candidates thoughts and ideas on Confucianism.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I was thinking. Carson is definitely the most spiritual candidate and has brought himself out of nothing. I highly agree with his ideas and what he supports and definitely resembles the republican party in a positive way. Carson is definitely my number one candidate.
ReplyDeleteWhat drew me to Carson was how he overcame the personal trials in his life and has succeeded. I don't agree with every political stance he has taken but I believe he could be a great president because of his unique perspective and the fact that he isn't a career politican
ReplyDeleteHe should be a role model for anyone coming out of poverty and/or with living without both parents. Most people who grow up with his struggles look for crime to get out, though he took that route, Carson changed his ways and became successful. Unfortunately, not everyone is as wise as him.
ReplyDeleteI think that you hit the nail on the head with Dr. Carson. I have been following him ever since I watched his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2013. He is such an inspiring man and outstanding role model for people of all ages. He proves that our struggles do not define as, and you can truly work hard and be successful.
ReplyDeleteI think Dr. Carson definitely follows Confucius' teachings. I think that all the presidential candidates follow some of his teachings. It will be interesting to see who gets in and what they will do. I think Dr. Carson is most likely to use his values in office, rather than abandoning them and everything he promised, like most prisons usually do.
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