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
Confucianism is the philosophy that emphasizes proper behavior. Confucianism was founded by Confucius, who is a famous Chinese philosopher. Confucius’ teachings “permeated society”, spreading teachings of peace and order.Teaching about peace and order will help control their society. Confucianism beliefs taught that society worked best when everyone practiced proper behavior towards everyone. They also believed that there are five relationships based on
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 was China’s first moral philosopher, and his ideas influence people all over the world even in the present day. Confucianism is a philosophy, a political ideology, and a way of life. Confucius had many followers, two of which are especially significant and would continue his teachings long after his death. These two were called Mencius and Xunzi(Xun Kuang). However, even though they would continue to spread his ideas throughout the realm, they also developed nuanced and differing viewpoints from each other and that also differed from the teachings of Confucius himself. Their individual perspectives are each outlined in their own writings.
Confucianism is an ethical philosophy with many statements concerning topics such as social obligations, politics, and religion. Founded by Confucius, a philosopher from “the state of Lu, in the modern province of Shandong,” this system of beliefs seeks wisdom above all other facets of life and regards knowledge as man’s greatest treasure. Confucianism also highly stressed the importance of putting others above oneself, thinking holistically rather than individually. Studying the Analects, Confucius’s philosophical text, gives students a superior understanding of the Chinese lifestyle during the Han dynasty because these beliefs reflect the progression of philosophy during this era.
Many of these philosophies have been repeated through the ages, such as Jesus teachings of the golden rule “do unto others as you would like them to do unto you” (bible Luke 6:31). Confucius was a man who strived to be a public servant, but other than a few opportunties he was mostly unsuccessful, although still respected. He became a tutor and like many great men, the height of his recognition was not during his lifetime. Even though Confucianism is not a religion, on the basis that it lacks a higher being or God, it is more than just a moral compass to follow. Confucius philosophies have proven to be a set of values that have served East Asia invaluably We can all learn from the concept of Jen, or human goodness, that tells us that there is a basic good in everyone. From the concept of Chun tzu, or the Mature Person, Confucius shows us how a person should behave, respectful, relaxed and someone that others look up to. “Only as those who make up society are transformed into chun tzus can the world move toward peace” (Reid
The religion of Confucianism begins, of course, with Confucius whose Chinese name was Kong Qui and who lived from 551 B.C. to 479 B.C. Surprisingly Confucius was merely a low level government worker. He did not exactly view himself as the founder of a school of thought. Regardless, Confucianism is the most influential belief system in Chinese culture. It provides the rules which govern the social behavior of the individual. The basic teachings of Confucius are grounded in the Five Constant Virtues: humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness. Confucius went on to define five basic human relations and
Availability and understanding of available information by an individual was taken as a very important treasure. The issues that Confucius taught to be followed were not entirely scientific learning but rather the study of the consecrated contents and the tenets of good worth and propriety (Oliver, 1985). An additional element which he held high was the control of proper example. The heroes, heroines and great people that existed were greatly exemplified by Confucius. Confucius did this by persisting on the scrutiny of the conservative models. Many of his well recorded aphorisms are tributes of his considered men of high caliber. Confucius trained his supporters the significance of constantly welcoming the rectification of personal liabilities. To further assist in the creation of an upright moral fiber, he cherished a particular amount of strength of will. He acknowledged the threat, particularly in the youthful, of falling into unwanted behavior, so he persisted on eradicating the push for uncalled for reassurances (Ferguson, 1972).
Confucius ' life was of tremendous importance in the forming of Chinese culture. Confucius ' plan and simple approach to life, revealed his deep seeded beliefs that through great human effort one can shape their own future. He had great faith in the ordinary man and believed that they are teachable and perfectible. Confucius believed that ordinary humans could be come awe-inspiring with wisdom and great knowledge. The quest to improve one 's "self" became deeply rooted in the Confucian heritage. Confucius ' concept of moral rectitude was considered part of the pursuit to becoming the perfected person. Confucius was devoted to learning and teaching. His teaching emphasized self-improvement and moral rectitude. When his words "for
Confucianism is an Eastern Asia religion/philosophy. Described as a way of life. Confucianism is neither said to be a monotheistic nor a polytheistic religion. This religion originated in China during the 6th-5th century BCE, and has since then spread to countries such as Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Confucianism which means “The School of the Scholars” developed from the teachings of Confucius. It is more a system of ethics and social behavior. People who follow the teachings of Confucius also observe traditional Chinese religion, which is a combination of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism alongside local practices and beliefs. Confucianism has greatly influenced the history of Chinese civilizations, cultures, and territories up to the 21st century.
Confucius believed strongly that moral education should be taught very predominately. He said education was the key to moral betterment. He believed that the rules appropriate behavior were important in all aspects of life.
Into his teachings, Confucius focused on ethical ways that an individual could achieve their good nature. His teachings centered ethical order and believed that an individual relied on self effort rather than divine beings to achieve the ideal character. Confucius believed that anyone could attain the ability to live a good and moral life by following the key principle of Ren, Li and Junzi. Ren is an important principle and existed in all humans, It is benevolence,
When looking at the ideas of Confucianism, one must look at the values that he expresses that are essential to human beings in order to become gentleman. Some of these values are present in every society and in every country. Ideas like jen and the Golden Rule are indispensable to life in almost every society on the globe.
was the education for China for 2,000 years. Confucius had few simple morals, to honor one?s parents and
Confucius as a teacher was concerned with moral conduct, tradition and history. The sage by
Confucius' teaching with regard to the ideal person is focused on describing this individual as someone who is willing to act in accordance with moral laws and with the way of the heavens. He believed that people needed to be judged on account of their merits rather than on their financial status. Confucian teaching promotes the belief that education is one of the most important concepts in society and that an educated individual is more likely to have an improved personality and to gain a more complex understanding of the world as a result of his or her knowledge.