Question

early asian societal structures quick check
read the following verses from the analects:

• \the master said, if one is guided by profit in one’s actions, one will incur much ill will.\
• \the master said, the gentleman understands what is moral. the small man understands what is profitable.\

based on these verses, what does confucius recognize about specific attitudes toward specific social classes in ancient china?
(1 point)
the shang class were viewed with disrespect because their greed threatened natural harmony.
the low positions held by the nong meant that they were seen by the higher - ranking members of chinese society as being lazy and greedy.
the shi were held in low esteem because they did not practice moral behavior when running the government.
the gong were held in lower respect than the shang because they produced goods with their hands.

Explanation:

Confucius emphasized morality over profit - seeking. In ancient Chinese society, the Shang (merchant) class was often associated with profit - driven behavior. His words suggest a negative view of those guided by profit, which aligns with the disrespect towards the Shang class for their greed.

Answer:

The Shang class were viewed with disrespect because their greed threatened natural harmony.