Confucius, The Doctrine of the Mean: A pillar text

So, I originally read this in February of 2017. No wonder I'm having a little trouble calling it to mind. Thankfully it is only 17 pages, so I can skim read it. This is going to be an ongoing challenge as I work through these backlogged texts.
My husband starts a new job tomorrow, which is super exciting. He's a truck driver and is going to be delivering roofing iron.

Synopsis
The Doctrine of the Mean is comprised of three real threads to the way of the Mean to be the Superior man.
Self cultivation, through self-education, self-discipline, and self-questioning. The idea that the self must grow, in order to walk the course of the Mean.
Understanding and forbearance of others, based on reciprocity. The idea that you serve the one above you as you would expect the one below you to serve you.
The development of Sincerity in your own character and to be an example of sincerity to those around you. And that being able to do that, you can then extend Sincerity to the animal and natural world.

Reflections
The use of the word mean in the English translation is a little tricky here because you must strive to follow the course of the Mean but the superior man is the one who follows it and the mean man is the one who does not.
Self-cultivation is something I can really get behind. Take this project for example, learning for learning's sake. In my case, not in order to follow the Mean, but to follow a more fulfilling journey.

Comparisons
The only thing to really compare this to is the Analects. Both use the idea and wording of the Superior man, and idea that is suggested should be striven for. The doctrine of the Mean seems to spend a little more time on the mean man, or the non-Superior man. But the basic ideas that are central to the Doctrine of the Mean are, though more subtlety, still there in the Analects.
Being a doctrine rather than a series of collected sayings of the master, the doctrine of the Mean is more structured and more linear than the Analects.

Have you read The Doctrine of the Mean? If so what did you think of it?

Want to read The Doctrine of the Mean but haven't? Hopefully this inspires you to take the time to do so.
Get a copy of Doctrine of the Mean.