The painting portrays a neighborhood in ancient China. [Photo/Weibo.com]

2. Confucius' demands on his living environment

Yan Hui was Confucius' favorite disciple, and he came from the mean streets, or what we would call a slum today. Despite his humble background, Confucius valued Yan Hui and gave him high praise.

Once Confucius said he wanted to live in a remote, rural area, and some said, "The living conditions there are too poor, how can you live?" Confucius replied, "If one is a gentleman who lives there, what do conditions have to do with anything? "

Confucius held the view that whether a person is a gentleman or not, has nothing to do with whether his living environment is luxurious or simple.

Confucius didn't care about his neighborhood, but was more concerned about the environment on a larger scale. He advised against emigrating to warring countries, and if chaos occurred in a country, to get away from the country as soon as possible.