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Humaneness Defined
As humans, we hold the ability to sympathize for any being that crosses our paths, which could very well be our biggest strength. Humaneness is the ability to show empathy to others. However, humaneness can be a very broad idea in terms of directly defining, so broad that "The Master," Confucius, had trouble explaining the concept. For example, in book 9 #1 the authors state, "The Master seldom spoke of profit and fate and humaneness." So, what is the outcome of being humane? What happens when we are not humane? What does it take to be humane? What do we need to do in order to remain humane?

Direct Quotations from The Analects
Book 4, #4- "The Master said: 'If one sets one's heart on humaneness, one will be without evil.'"

Book 6, #22- "The Master said: 'The humane man puts difficulties first and success in overcoming them second. This may be called humaneness.'"

Book 6, #30- "Zigong said: 'Suppose there was someone who benefitted the people far and wide and was capable of bringing salvation to the multitude, what would you think of him? Might he be called humane?' The Master said: 'Why only humane? He would undoubtedly be a sage. Didn't even Yao and Shun have to take pains over this? Now the humane man, wishing himself to be established, sees that others are established, and wishing himself to be successful, sees that others are successful. To be able to take one's own familiar feelings as a guide may definitely be called the method of humaneness.'"

Book 17, #5- "Zizhang asked Master Kong about humaneness. Master Kong said: 'One who can bring about the practice of five things everywhere under Heaven has achieved humaneness.' When begged to ask about them, he said: 'Courtesy, tolerance, good faith, diligence, and kindness.'"

Book 9, #1- "The Master seldom spoke of profit and fate and humaneness"

Worldview
It is relevant to regard humaneness in the world we live in today. Everyday we face issues of people being inhumane and dehumanization. For example, we exhibit many forms of humaneness from homeless shelters to animal shelters. In the modern world, if you are not humane or you dehumanize others, you are frowned upon. National Parks, recovery centers, vets, wildlife sanctuaries, and humane shelters are examples of humanities contribution to creating better lives for animals. We have the ability to sympathize with animals, aid them and protect them.

Another way humaneness appears today is through special needs programs. It is a natural instinct for animals to turn away from other animals with disabilities, but humans have the ability to overcome that. That makes humans as a species very strong.

Connections to Other Texts
Like The Analects, Homer's The Odyssey is centered with masculinity and concentrates on the treatment of others. In The Odyssey the readers soon learn it is common to treat your guests as kindly as possible and serve them, even strangers.

Confucius Worldview
Confucius had a very formal and masculine worldview. The Analects mentions, "The Master seldom spoke of profit and fate and humaneness ," (Book 9, #1). But why would the authors add this to the beginning of a book? What is so important about Confucius rarely discussing humaneness and why? It is difficult for Confucius to directly define humaneness because it is a complex concept to explain. In book 4, #4- "The Master said: 'If one sets one's heart on humaneness, one will be without evil.'" Confucius believes that if one is determined for humaneness then they will have no evil. Is this true? The world is an evil place, and just because one desires humaneness does not mean they can fully be without evil. One can want to be humane but could possibly be evil.