Confucius, The Most Influential Philosopher Of Chinese Religions

Confucianism has been a part of Chinese culture for over a thousand years. Many who have studied Confucianism would say that it is not a religion. It is better described as a philosophy or moral code. The philosophy of Confucianism comes mainly from the speeches and writings of Confucius, a great Chinese thinker and educator. He believed that Humanity, Rite, Neutrality, Virtue, Education, and Cultivation were the basis of human behavior. In addition, Confucius felt that this philosophy was the best way for people to behave and interact with others in society.

Confucius’ high emphasis on morality instead of profit was one of his major political ideals that he tried to persuade the the rulers of the kingdoms to pursue. However, his failure to convince any of those rulers reflected the prevalent pragmatic political culture at that period. After all, the kingdoms were at war with each other so that Confucius’ idea was inevitably less popular than those battle-winning strategies in favor of “profit.”

In Han China, the social beliefs of Confucianism brought China closer by teaching morals and ethical principles (EV-H). Confucianism brought upon social order and respect to China (EV-H). Unlike the Han, Christianity tore Imperial Rome apart. Christianity conflicted with Rome’s beliefs because Christians believe in spiritual peace. These beliefs conflicted with Rome’s military virtues, triggering conflicting opinions and divisions (EV-R). Ultimately, Christianity weakened the Roman Empire as opposed to Confucianism uniting Han China.

Religion has been a major factor for the growth and development of societies since the establishment of even the very first ancient civilizations. Though each of the ancient societies—the Chinese, the Egyptians, the Indians, and the Mesopotamians—had different spiritual beliefs, they each shared the common belief that the presence of religion within a civilization would have positive results upon the entire civilization.

“He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” - Confucius

2d) One example From the Analects of a concession or mention of the problem of social disorder can be found in Chapter 5 Verse 26. Confucius says, “All is lost! I have yet to see a man who can see his own faults and censure himself!”

The exemplary person (junzi) is someone who is worthy of leadership and respect. To do one's utmost (zhong), observing ritual propriety (li), practicing filial piety (xiao), knowing what is appropriate (yi) and having a deep love of learning (haoxne) are crucial aspect to becoming such a commanding and versatile individual. These qualities, however, do not come easily as the way (dao) requires the types of habits and commitments that the average person would normally find excessive. Nevertheless, for those did who managed to persevere they found themselves walking the path towards harmony. Although some may have achieved harmony, the questions must be asked: how and why did these seemingly arbitrary ideas work? How does loving to learn and doing ones duty make a person exemplary? For Confucius this was no easy task to explain. Compounding the issue further is that many may find contradictions within the Analects itself. Despite this, these qualities do promote the type of virtues that, in mind of Confucius at least, can create what some many consider to be an exemplary person.

Ancient Chinese Culture Section 1 - Philosophy What did Confucius teach the people of China? Chinese culture was strongly influenced by Confucius. He taught people of China that everyone must accept their role in life and responsibilities towards others. Social Teachings

As a Christian educator, it is important to base educational practices on Biblical authority. Christian education should teach students to learn to act like God and to do His work (Graham, 2003). “True education is to develop knowledge of God and His created reality and to use that knowledge in exercising a creative-redemptive dominion over the world . . . “ (Graham, 2003, p. 57). Being a Christian educator, does not mean that organizational structure and curriculum occur in a vacuum. Educational philosophy and structure have been developing for thousands of years and the wise educational administrator should study and understand the history and ideas that impact the educational landscape of today.

     Confucius’s counsel and guidance recorded in The Analects instilled wisdom when they were first recorded and continue to provide a thought provoking analysis of life and the checkpoints that guide it. The Master’s commentary on restraint, diligence, decency, and citizenship are well intended and relevant. Politics and the role of government also come under scrutiny as Confucius offers his insights in bettering the organization of power. His proverb-like admonitions use clear examples of everyday life allowing them to be understood and easily digested. Confucius’s own eagerness and willingness to share goodness he experienced makes it easier to apply and practice in one’s own life.

Confucius, during his day, inspired China and much of the world, with his ways of life, teaching people keys to living healthy. In this quote "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand," there are many ways to interpret and understand by what he meant of it.

Confucius created a system of thinking called Confucianism. If only one word could be used to summarize the Chinese way of life for the last two thousand years, that word would be Confucian. No other person has had as great an effect on the life and thought of the Chinese people as Confucius. He is the most adored person in Chinese history. Confucius claimed no greatness, instead he looked to a past time that he saw as the golden age. He told one of his disciples, "I transmit but I do not create. I am sincerely fond of the ancient. I would compare myself to Old P'eng who was fond of talking about the good old days." Confucius was a transmitter of the wisdom of the past. From his study of Chinese tradition, he gathered the

When Western people think of Confucianism, they often think of it in a past sense- as something only relevant to ancient China that cannot be applied to modern day society. However, what these people fail to realize is that Confucianism’s roots have been so integrated into China’s society that the values have become a part of every day life. Without having to explicitly state that they are following specifics aspects of Confucianism, most Chinese people submit to them, often times unknowingly. However, Confucian values not only exist in the Chinese society, but also permeate into other areas of Chinese culture such as architecture and aspects of Feng-Shui.

Confucianism is a time enduring philosophy that has stood up to invading clans, war, resentment, enforcement and infringement of new philosophies, and eventually, revival. For almost 80 years, up until the late 1970’s, Confucianism and its ideas and values have been all but wiped away from China. Though effort was made to remove Confucianism for good from China by the Communist leader Mao Zedong in 1949, the ideas and values were so deeply embedded into peoples mind and the culture that even suppression could not keep it out of the culture and practices. The main factor that has brought Confucianism back into the limelight in China and other East Asian countries is the recent

One of the most famous people in ancient China was a wise philosopher named Confucius (circa