310 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF EDUCATION. 
gather the passages of pedagogical significance appearing here and there, 
scattered through these works. in order to throw the right licht upon his 
orinciples. 
Liadner writes, in his ‘“Encyclopadical Compendium of Pedagogy” : 
“The educational system of Confucius is comprehended in the so-called 
House Treasure ;” but as he indicates no source of his statement. it is 
altogether untenable. 
Carl Schmidt has also mentioned the House Treasure in his ‘“ History 
of Pedagogies,” but without saying that its contents are the system of 
Confucius. 
I'think I am right in saying, that, in spite of the many books written 
about Confucius in the Orient and Occident, no one has distinctly 
explained his pedagogics. 
Before I begin my further task, it is necessary to state the views of 
Confucius about human nature. Philosophers who lived shortly after 
Confucius have held very different opinions upon this subject. 
Mencius says : “ Man is good by nature.” 
Suntsew : ‘* Man is bad by nature.” 
Yan-yew : “Man is both by nature; good and bad principles are com- 
bined in him.” 
But if Tseu-kung says that he never heard Confucius speak about 
human nature and heaven ; it may be supposed, indeed, that the sage very 
seldom dwelt upon these questions. In Lun-yu it is said : < When man 
is born, he is sincere,” and likewise in Ta-hio : “One must keep alive the 
born virtues.” So Confucius believes that man is good by nature. 
Confucius’s grandson, Tseu-see, an eager adherent of his doctrine, says : 
*“ Human nature is determined by the heavens, afd to follow the way of 
nature is the first of all doctrines.” And also Mencius, who again learned 
from Tseu-see, says : ‘“ Human nature is good.” 
Confucius, however, knew very well that man can be developed in 
lifferent ways by education : it is that which makes the great differences 
Among men. 
After this short preface I now shall iry to find out the aim of Confu- 
cius’s education, 
MORAL EDUCATION. 
Confucius says to his pupil Tseng-tsen : ¢ Piety is the foundation and 
the basis of a good education.” Of course this piety is not restricted to the 
celation of parents to the children, to the life in the house. Outside the 
house, also, children and all younger persons must be respectful towards 
elder persons ; they must hate nobody, but especially be on friendly terms 
with the philanthropists ; besides, everybody must strive to obtain knowl- 
edge and skill. 
From this it can be seen that Confucius considered virtue first : in