(4.1-4.3) Confucius opens by discussing "authoritative conduct" not as a trait that can be possessed, but as a community you choose to identify with. He argues that anyone who doesn't "seek to dwell among authoritative people" can't really be called wise. I understand this as an argument that character is actually a result of one's environment, rather than one's efforts, because the proper environment gives the individual a standard to strive towards. This theme of surrounding yourself with individuals who push you to be better is seen throughout the text as Confucius discusses what it means to be a son/daughter, leader, friend, and teacher. Ultimately, a core tenet of Confucius's writing is the importance of learning from and leading by example. Being surrounded by the exemplary provides a constant feedback loop of imitation, correction, and shame. This process is what Confucius believes makes one "exemplary" in his philosophy. Ultimately, the self-motivated struggle to improve is fueled by shame of failure, but this shame is only possible if one is surrounded by individuals who are wiser and more exemplary.

(3.4) A connecting theme that I noticed throughout the books was the idea of prioritizing mindfulness and intention in ritual over the bells and whistles that make it impressive. This idea strikes me for two reasons. First, when I typically think of a government ceremony, I think of extravagant rituals and gaudy decorations. However, Confucius points out how this is not really a display of ritual propriety because focusing on the spectacle detracts from the intention of the ceremony. Second, I think it's interesting that this is a concept that we still wrestle with today. I immediately thought of the common phrase, "it's the thought that counts". Confucius is arguing that the optics of ritual are not as important as the deep presence it takes to make the ritual sincere. This notion is a striking contrast to the ancient China that I am familiar with, but I see how valuable this humility is in Confucius' philosophy regarding leadership.

(2.1) Confucius compares governing with excellence to the North Star - it stays put while everything orbits around it. I see this as a claim that the best political order isn't about "policy cleverness" or coercive force; rather, it's about reorienting people through character. This raises a key question for me: is the ruler's "stillness" a literal call for minimal intervention, or a metaphor for steadfast character? I argue that it is likely the first option, as Confucius focuses heavily on how institutional stability depends on moral exemplarity. This is because Confucius believes that when a leader acts as a stable reference point, people develop internal standards rather than just reacting to external constraints. This also ties into the text's theme of striving towards being exemplary as opposed to avoiding being seen as deplorable.