Confucius Books 15,17,18

In book 15, Confucius says that one shouldn't judge by what other people say. Whether a whole town loves or hates a person, one should decide alone if they like the person or not. In book 17, Confucius talks about people being similar. I believe that this is a huge point that we have to look at because he lived in a time where there was slavery all over the world. Even though there might not have been in China per say, it was still relevant. There's also a debate over the mourning period. Everyone mourns three years, but when someone wants to mourn one year, it is frowned upon. Confucius says that it is three years because you are helpless without your parents for three years. Even though that is true, I really don't think that means you have to mourn them for three years.