A member of the Illinois legislature once asked Joseph Smith how he was able to govern so many people and keep order among the members of the Mormon church. The man claimed that it had been impossible to do so anywhere else. Joseph Smith replied by saying, “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves. ” This statement introduces the idea of self-governance—in other words, after learning principles, people individually interpret what is taught and then apply it to their lives in the way it seems fit. I believe that this statement focuses more on following the “spirit of the law” rather than the “letter of the law.
If this statement was based on the letter of the law, then there would be more immediate and harsh consequences for those that went against the principles that Joseph Smith and other apostles taught. There would be absolutely no gray area involved; all principles would have a black and white side. Joseph Smith knew that people would interpret certain principles differently and as a result would apply these principles into their lives in various ways. He also knew that the more they focused on the doctrines of the gospel and centered their lives around Jesus Christ, then the principles would often be applied correctly.
These ideas of learning, agency (the ability to choose), and self-governance are introduced again in teachings by Confucius. The teachings of Confucius best fit the idea presented by Joseph Smith because it emphasizes how a person’s level of knowledge sets them apart, how application helps a person to find the right path, and how a leader’s example can potentially influence the public to govern themselves properly. Zhuangzi argues that we should not make judgements off of our own knowledge. Finding the way can be done when we understand that “perception and understanding have come to a stop and spirit moves where it wants.
This would suggest that we do not use our knowledge to govern ourselves, but rather feel “the spirit” move us where we should go. Although this claim has truth, it is important to recognize that people must use their own knowledge to govern themselves. Knowing this, we recognize that Confucius best fits the idea of self-governance presented by Joseph Smith. Confucius teaches that “By nature men are pretty much alike; it is learning and practice that set them apart. ” Just like Joseph Smith, Confucius expected there to be differences in the way people would govern themselves because of their understanding.
As a whole, the people of the world are generally alike. We need the same things to survive and we often find joy and pleasure in similar things and ideas. However, we differ when it comes to our perspectives and the actions we take. The reasons for our perspectives can be trailed back to our learning and application (or practice) of that learning. Many people can be taught the same exact principle at the exact same time, but depending on their background knowledge and their perspective in life, they may have completely different ideas of what the principle is actually teaching.
This is why Confucius argues that “it is learning and practice that set them apart. ” When Joseph Smith made the statement “I teach correct principles, and they govern themselves,” he understood that each person would be at a different level of “righteousness” which is why they would apply principles differently. Still, by teaching correct principles and allowing them to govern their own actions, they had the opportunity to continuously improve themselves as they tried to align their actions to Jesus Christ’s. The better they become, the more confident they will be with their choices and with themselves in the end.
Confucius introduces a similar idea. When a person has reached confidence in their actions and has found “the Way”, he refers to them as the “gentleman. ” The gentleman “has no anxieties…no perplexities…. no fear. ” Confucius reminds us that the gentleman “first practices what he preaches and then preaches what he practices…The gentleman reaches upwards; the inferior man reaches downward…The gentleman cherishes virtue; the inferior man cherishes possessions. ” Confucius and Joseph Smith recognize that people are not perfect which adds to the argument that people should govern themselves.
Confucius even claims, “I myself have not been able to attain any of the [traits of the gentleman]. ” When asked about government, Confucius states, “To govern (cheng) is to set things right (cheng). If you begin by setting yourself right, who will dare to deviate from the right? If a ruler himself is upright, all will go well without order. But if he himself is not upright, even though he gives orders they will not be obeyed. ” As people govern themselves, they will begin to recognize what is right and what is wrong by looking to their leaders.
Their leaders will not have to correct them because they will desire to follow them after watching their example. As a leader practices what he preaches, people will pick up on the traits they possess and begin to imitate them. This would lead to a society that has overall good values, and people who use their agency wisely. When a leader is an example of how we should be, then it will not be necessary to closely govern the people because their desires will be similar to their leaders and accurately govern themselves.
Joseph Smith lived the principle that he taught. As the people were able to see him apply the principles he taught into his own life, then they had the desire to apply the principles too. Confucius accentuates this point by stating, “Why should it be necessary to employ capital punishment in your government? Just so you genuinely desire the good, the people will be good. ” People will righteously govern themselves when they have good leaders they can follow.
Confucius and Joseph Smith teach very similar principles related to self-governance, agency, and learning. It is through gaining knowledge, applying principles, and following the example of leaders that self-governance can be mastered. When self-governance is mastered, Confucius claims that “those near are happy and those far off are attracted. ” Ultimately, this is what ties both Confucius and Joseph Smith together. They desire their people to be happy and they know that the only way to attain this is to perfect themselves through self-governance.
