3 Answers

  1. First, I would suggest that there can't be any obvious analog. The fact is that in the world now there is no clear division into estates or social classes, and in the Zhou period in China, the aristocracy was quite isolated. And such a separate group should have distinctive features, in this case, the six arts. If we talk simply about what distinguishes a noble person, then this, in my opinion, is not a question of skills or abilities. Or rather, not just them. As the closest approximation, we can probably cite the classical seven liberal arts, which have remained relevant: grammar, dialectic (logic), rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. But to be honest, all this seems to me, although necessary, but certainly not a sufficient condition. A noble person should be distinguished by honor, dignity, attitude towards the weak, etc.

  2. A good family is a good, ideological inheritance. And to pass on a good legacy, you must first create it. That is, you need to develop the highest human qualities, those that distinguish people from animals. And then, when you have become a good person, you can pass this goodness on to your family-to your own people. Goodness is the highest state of unconditional love, which promotes the manifestation of the best that is in a person. It was for these good qualities that people were recognized. They were called people of honor, conscience, dignity, and truth.

  3. Mastering the so-called Six Arts was intended in the Chinese education system to be considered an aristocrat by right. There is no such layer for a long time. Neither socially nor, for the most part, spiritually. However, if you are one of those who do not want to put up with this, if you are one who is ready to counteract the spiritual and moral entropy of the consumer society, the “aristocrats of the belly”, you need to learn certain principles and live in accordance with them, and also try to broadcast them to everyone who is within your range, first of all, of course, children. These principles are by no means new and well-known, which is not surprising, since universal values are always relevant.

    • The first is, of course, the education of high moral standards, which implies spiritual development, i.e. the study of philosophy, religion, reading and understanding a certain kind of literature. It is also something like the “observance of rituals” of the Six Arts. Etiquette, norms of behavior for the aristocrat of the spirit are not just a formality, which, in the absence of control or supervision from the outside, are immediately discarded.

    • The second is self-esteem. But it should not be expressed in empty vanity or even in pride supported by real achievements, but in self-esteem based on adequate self-esteem; in the willingness to calmly recognize the superiority of another, if such superiority exists; in respect for the dignity of another person. Even if this person is a close friend of yours, do not think that you can treat them too freely. I also think that it is self-esteem that allows you to follow all other principles.

    • Third and fourth – modesty and moderation, regardless of what income you have and what position in society you occupy. The first manifests itself in a sincere interest in the people around you, in the absence of an intention to exalt yourself, in the ability to make concessions in resolving everyday issues, the second-in controlling your momentary feelings, drives, desires, in order to achieve more significant and important goals. A certain asceticism in everyday life, contentment with small things. Moderation, by the way, is one of the four ancient virtues. You can also get acquainted with them.

    • The fifth is spiritual generosity, which is the exact opposite of arrogance and greed. A strong spirit helps others to become strong, no matter what this “strength” is expressed in — in knowledge, skills, or material goods. Moreover, the aristocrat of the spirit does not treat the person he helps with condescension or pity, he does not imagine himself to be the messiah, he simply gets spiritual pleasure from it.

    • The sixth is hard work, the opposite of laziness. Hard work, physical and mental, spiritual. Respect for both your own work and the work of others.

    It seems to me that the above is the most basic. It is with the education of these qualities that you should start to achieve nobility. �

    A noble husband is aware of his superiority, but avoids competition. He gets along with everyone, but doesn't collude with anyone.

    Confucius

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