9.19: This passage seems to relate to Confucius' view of self-cultivation as a constant task. While it may drain one of energy, the importance of continuing to cultivate oneself cannot be overlooked. What would Confucius say about someone continuing to dumping basketfuls of dirt, but these basketfuls being much lighter than they can actually carry. Would he judge their slow progress and low effort? I think that he might, given that effort is necessary to Confucius in all aspects of a life worth living. Just as with rituals, perhaps he would stress the need for full and genuine effort in every action.

3.4: Confucius' teaches his students (Lin Fang in this case) that it is important to do everything in life genuinely, especially rituals. He places great value on backing one's actions up with true intentions. The rituals that are important in these teachings both must be done properly and must be done genuinely, exemplified by Confucius' reply. Confucius viewed his time as a period where morality was decaying, exemplified by the Ji clan in 3.1. Rituals provided a structure to self-cultivation, a goal Confucius viewed as worthy of steadfast and genuine dedication.

1.6: Through this teaching, Confucius is stressing the importance of self-cultivation in how one should live. Broaching this question that Van Norden believed is (or should be) central to philosophy, Confucius asserts that self-cultivation should be constant and drain oneself, making the strived-for life not necessarily a happy or easy one. What would Confucius consider the proper aim in life? Perhaps, Confucius would encourage leading a meaningful life for others, given his emphasis on relationships and the roles we are meant to play in society. I wonder how Confucius would respond, however, to a student who does not find their given societal role meaningful. Yan Hui, for example, is of a lower socioeconomic status yet is worthy of becoming a junzi.

This passage seems to relate to Confucius' view of self-cultivation as a constant task. While it may drain one of energy, the importance of continuing to cultivate oneself cannot be overlooked. What would Confucius say about someone continuing to dumping basketfuls of dirt, but these basketfuls being much lighter than they can actually carry. Would he judge their slow progress and low effort? I think that he might, given that effort is necessary to Confucius in all aspects of a life worth living. Just as with rituals, perhaps he would stress the need for full and genuine effort in every action.

Confucius' teaches his students (Lin Fang in this case) that it is important to do everything in life genuinely, especially rituals. Previously, Confucius used Yan Hui as a shining example of genuine filial action in 2.9, demonstrating the value he places on one's actions having true intentions to back them up. The rituals that are important in these teachings both must be done properly and must be done genuinely, exemplified by Confucius' reply.

Through this teaching, Confucius is stressing the importance of self-cultivation in how one should live. Broaching this question that Van Norden believed was (or should be) central to philosophy, Confucius asserts that self-cultivation should be constant and drain oneself, making the strived-for life much not necessarily a "happy" one. What would Confucius consider the proper aim in life? Perhaps, Confucius would encourage leading a meaningful life for other, given his emphasis on relationships and the roles we are meant to play in society. I wonder how Confucius would respond, however, to a student who does not find their societal role meaningful. Is his message of self-improvement limited to improving within one predetermined role in society?