In Book IV, Confucius says that "in the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within" (p. 105). Throughout our second reading, it seems like Confucius emphasizes the role of "bad men" and vice in bringing about moral improvement. When one encounters a bad person, Confucius does not advocate trying to improve these men or make them aware of their vices, but instead to look inward as a means to self-improvement. Are bad men necessary for Confucius? Is the only way one can become morally better is by looking at bad people and learning from them? And is there any hope for these bad people to improve, or are they forever cursed to be bad people?
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