How does Confucius feel about non-human animals?

While reading the handout given in class, Anthology of World Scriptures I wondered how does Confucius feel about non-human animals? On the top of page 143 there is a story of Confucius’ stable burning down. He does not ask about the horses but if anyone has been hurt. I inferred that he values human life over the life of a horse. But, could the horses also represent money because they can be sold or used for work? If so, then this reveals that money holds little value for Confucius.

The Power of Li

    I find it interesting that every day we carry out the power of Li probably without realizing it. It is natural to do what another asks if no harm comes to us or complete a ceremony by shaking hands with another. But, what do we make of someone who realizes the power of Li and abuses it?  An example could be someone who constantly asks the people around them to do things for him/her. The person requests are not just simple tasks but annoying and unnecessary because they are lazy and controlling. I think in this example, the power of Li would be broken because it would turn into manipulation, which is not an aspect of Li.

Never Ending

          I find it interesting how the meaning of historical Jesus can change over time. Once one is close to completing his or her study of the historical Jesus, something new is bond to come up about that alters their interpretation. This process seems frustrating. However, if this someone’s passion, they will be excited that there is now something new to be discovered and analyzed. It is a never ending cycle because there is a possibility that there will never be a source to confirm our interpretations. We can only get as close as we possibly can to it. This relates exactly to what Crossan states on page 200 " Christianity must repeatedly, generation after generation, make its best historical judgment about who was Jesus then and, on that basis, decide what that reconstruction means as Christ now." Nothing is set in stone.