Page 185 - 2022(1) International Confusion Studies

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virtue. All the six elements were originally used by Confucian scholars to expound
on the creative techniques in The Book of Songs. Later, they were used to emphasize
creative styles of all works of poetry. They also served as essential principles of
literary criticism.

3.3 Stimulation, Contemplation, Communication, and
Criticism (兴观群怨)

According to Confucius, The Book of Songs served these four purposes, which
summarize the basic functions and values of literature. “Stimulation” means that
the appreciation of literary works arouses imagination, stimulates reflection on
society and life, and inspires aspirations and interests. “Contemplation” means
that reading leads to understanding nature, society, life, and politics. “Commu-
nication” means that reading encourages discussion with others, and exchange of
thoughts and feelings. “Criticism” means learning how to critically express oneself
about state affairs and voice inner feelings. These four functions are closely
associated and involve the aesthetic, cognitive, and educational functions of
literature. Later scholars have continued to make original contributions to the
study of these themes.

3.4 Mild, Gentle, Sincere, and Broad-Minded (温柔敦厚)

This term refers to the mild and broad-minded manner with which the Confucian
classic, The Book of Songs, edifies people. Confucian scholars during the Qin and
Han dynasties believed that although some poems of The Book of Songs were
satirical and remonstrative in tone, it still focused on persuading people instead of
just reproving them. Most of the poems in the book were moderate in tone and
meant to encourage the reader to learn to be moderate and honest. Encouraging
people to be mild and gentle, sincere and broadminded is a manifestation of
Confucian doctrine of the mean, and being fair and gentle is an aesthetic value,
which is also a standard for literary and artistic style that stresses the need for
being gentle in persuasion and for edification.

3.5 No Depraved Thoughts (思无邪)

This refers to a state of mind that is pure and proper with no depraved or evil
thoughts. This is a well-known critique made by Confucius on The Book of Songs,a
collection of 300 poems. In his opinion, these poems may be summarized as pure