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Early Life Of Confucius Research Paper

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The teachings of Confucius, who lived about 500 years before Christ, have probably had more influence on the world than those of Christianity. It is said that all world religions and all governments are still influenced by the philosophy taught in his school and by his books. Like Jesus, Confucius never claimed personal divinity. Yet a form of a philosophical belief system called Confucianism grew from his work. Also like Jesus, Confucius was said to have been born into poverty, became a teacher of philosophy and principles of living, and had a band of followers, or disciples, that remained by his side. He was born in 551 B.C. into the family of K’ung and given the personal name of Ch’iu, thus his real name was K’ung Ch’iu. Later, after …show more content…

Confucius lived most of his life in the country of Lu, now a part of the Nation of China, although it is said that he traveled extensively and was well educated because he was allowed to study with some of the masters of his day. He reportedly studied ritual under the Daoist Master Law Dan, music under Chang Hong, and the lute with Music Master Xiang. He was appointed Minister of Public Works and later Minister of Crime under the rule of Duke King of Lu, but later was forced out of office for political reasons. Confucius then spent the remainder of his life operating a school of philosophy and writing …show more content…

Confucius taught a concept called jen, or humaneness that included humanity, benevolence, goodness and virtue as a way of life. His message was that mankind must reach a state of personal virtue to achieve orderliness and peace. He wrote extensively about the importance of music and dance as a pattern for establishing and following ritual. Confucius believed that ritual was a key part of every society. Confucius taught that people live their lives within parameters established by both a supreme being and by nature. He revered and respected the spirits that exist around us. His social philosophy paralleled the Golden Rule, and revolved around the concept of love for others. He taught his students to cultivate and practice concern for others to a point where speech patterns and actions are not offensive. Those who cultivate jen are “simple in manner and slow of speech,” that is they think out their words carefully before they are spoken aloud. “What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others,” was among the sayings of Confucius. Also he said men are responsible for their actions and especially for their treatment of

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