How Did Confucius Affect Ancient China

“…The influence of a scholar who died nearly 3,000 years ago is still felt in the boardrooms, bedrooms, and classrooms of nearly a quarter of humanity” (Worrall, “Why is Confucius Still Relevant Today?”). Today, Confucianism is seen as a world famous East Asian philosophical system; an intricate moral, political, social, and some might also say a religious system that has a monumental influence on the history of the Chinese culture. However, being the founder of a school of philosophy was not Confucius’ original intention. It all began in the sixth century B.C. when the established system of the Zhou Court could no longer meet the society’s demands. The tension between the political center and the regional lords caused the authority of the

during the Zhou Dynasty, China was experiencing a great deal of political turmoil. A major part of this era was called the Period of the Warring States. It was a time when there were numerous wars that occurred due to the conflict that existed between seven states. (Watkins, 2013) These warring states were the Han, Wu, Zhao, Chu, Qi, Yan and Jin. According to Jerry H. Bentley and Herbert F. Ziegler of the book Traditions and Encounters, “This period forced some people to reflect on the nature of society, and the roles of humans beings within society.” The authors continued saying that it forced others to “identify principles that would restore political and social order.” (Bentley & Ziegler, 2011) The principles of Confucianism were established and followed in order to help the citizens of China to live and govern their communities more efficiently. Through Confucianism, Confucius helped legitimize China’s rule and bring about order in the mist of turmoil. The effects of Confucius’ principles are still seen and felt today in many aspects of modern day Chinese society. Veritably, there were points throughout Chinese history where Confucianism affected almost every aspect of life in China. Confucius has impacted the development of Chinese thought and culture in various ways from education to politics, to familial relationships.

Confucius created the doctrine that 300 years after his death became a permanent impulse of social life in China, established rules of behaviour not only in the state, but also the family as a social unit.1

After the fall of the Qin Dynasty, the Han dynasty drew from the teachings of Confucius to create the Han Synthesis. This formed the traditional belief in China that history repeats itself and directly contributed to the Dynastic Cycle. This is demonstrated by the use of Confucius teachings, the Dynastic Cycle and the Han Synthesis when addressing the Good Life, Good Society and Good State respectively. Each of these philosophies highlight that Chinese history repeats itself by casting light on this theme of repetition through the three different areas. This makes the state accountable for its actions to its people. Confucius was a Chinese philosopher whose ideas greatly affect China in every aspect of its culture. In The Analects, he

It is clear from examining the philosophical thought and social trends during both the Qing and Ming dynasties that Confucian thought and ideology had a profound effect on Chinese society and moral values during that period.

Mencius, as one of the most influential scholars of Confucian thought, shared many of the same views as Confucius and furthered many of his ideas. One example would be the emphasis on family and its connection to the government. Mencius, like Confucius, saw that the wellbeing of the family was crucial for prosperity of the state. He also emphasized filial piety and advocated for agriculture instead of fighting more wars. Furthermore, he took on the idea of the gentleman versus the ordinary person, someone who was distinguished, diligent, righteous, and respectful. But while the views of Mencius seem to more closely mirror those of Confucius, that was not entirely the case. For example, Confucius emphasized the importance of rulers as well as loyalty to authorities, stressing adherence to the social stratifications set in place by Chinese culture and society. However, Mencius said, referring to the noble ministers of the court, that “When the ruler makes a major error, they point it out. If he does not listen to their repeated remonstrations, then they put someone else on the throne.” He argued that subjects should be able to overthrow a ruler that is unjust, for it is only a ruler that is righteous and benevolent that should be supported by the people. Mencius also stressed the importance of a person’s motives, something not explicitly seen

Religious and political ideas have served as the fundamental foundation to many early civilizations and settlements and Ancient China is no exception. The texts of the Ta Hsüeh and the Chung Yung clearly details some ideas and concepts of early Confucianism in Ancient China. These early Confucian ideas and concepts from the two texts, in many ways reflect the political, intellectual, and social context of ancient China. Although Confucianism is no long as prominent as it was during the times of ancient China, it is important to understand these concepts and how later Chinese Dynasty adopted it. Confucianism has developed and influenced modern China and also other East Asian cultures, customs, and heritages.

This paper focuses on the philosophy of the Qin dynasty and the Ming dynasty. For thousands of years, Confucianism had been the mainstream philosophy in Chinese traditional culture. It played a significant role to enlighten people’s thoughts in all periods of history. However, during Qin Dynasty, the thoughts of Confucianism, “Cultivating yourself first, then regulate your family, govern your state, and bring peace to world” was not accepted by Qin government; instead, in 213BC, Confucianism was devastatingly destroyed by Emperor Shi Huangdi.

Confucius is one of the first Chinese thinkers who addressed the conflict of political and social order. he was a strong willed man who often did not get along with others. He never realized his ambition to become a powerful minister. Confucius attracted numerous disciples who aspired to political careers. His thought was fundamentally moral, ethical, and political in character. He had his disciples study works of poetry and history made during the Zhou dynasty. He examined the book of Songs, book of History, the Book of Rites, and other works with his students. Literary works of the Zhou dynasty became the core texts of the traditional Chinese education because of Confucius’s influence. There were specific Confucian values indluding ren, li, and xiao. Individuals with ren were courteous, respectful, loyal, and diligent. He said ren is much needed for government

Confucianism is regarded as one of the primary religions that have profoundly influenced Chinese beliefs and ideologies. While Kongzi, or Confucius, is the founder of Confucianism, he is not the only philosopher who has contributed to such a significant impact on China. Similarly, the Analects of Confucius is not the single text that represents Confucianism. In fact, during different time periods throughout the history, there are a number of eminent representatives of Confucian thoughts, such as Mengzi and Xunzi. Because Confucianism aims at eliminating chaos and maintaining order in a harmonious society , they all agree that the guidance and education of virtuous Confucian pioneers are of extreme importance to achieve this

Laozi and Confucius were two prominent philosophers whose teachings shaped Chinese culture and have influenced social views for thousands of years. These great thinkers sought to lay down a path towards goodness and righteousness in society. They provided guidance in the form of moral rules, behavioral codes and social roles. Through their teachings, they intended to mold and structure government in such a way that it may lead people towards goodness. Although both philosophers agreed in many ethical principles and moral aspects, they disagreed in fundamental views on the ideal gubernamental dynamic, role and character in society. While Confucius advocated for a diligent and active government, where ritual propriety and social structure is

Like Socrates, Confucius left little in the way of his writings and teachings, with almost all of his messages and thoughts being recorded and passed along by followers such as Yen Hui, and Tzu-kung. “It is said that his father, Kong Shuleang He, was a seventy-year-old retired soldier, and his mother, Chengzai, a young peasant girl” (R. Freedman, 2002, p. 9). Confucius was only three years old when his father died. It is known that Confucius had an older brother and a niece. Confucius himself fathered a son and a daughter. His son, Tzu-Iu died in battle shortly before Confucius’ own death, but no information has ever been found about his wife or daughter. It is not entirely clear what the social position of his family was. Confucius himself said “that as a young man he was of humble status” (H. Creel, 1949, p. 25), and it has been confirmed that he did not own any considerable property. However, genealogy records reveal that Confucius was a direct descendant of the Shang royal house, a royal family of the Chou Dynasty. It is believed that Confucius’ ancestors were most likely minor aristocrats, but “at that time in china, the descent from noble rank to humble status was swift” (H. Creel, 1949, p. 26). He was educated at an early age and found pleasure in archery and music. His student and follower, Tzu-kung wrote that while Confucius had no regular teachers, it is not believed that he was entirely self taught. He probably learned much as an apprentice official doing clerical work, as a granary manager, and as a shepherd. Confucius was ambitious and probably one of the most learned Chinese of his day. Although he strived for a position of influence, Confucius found flattery difficult, and couldn’t help but say exactly what was on his mind, an unfitting temperament for a successful role in any government or political position. “As Confucius

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

The Analects, a record of the words, acts and discussions of Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples, has been said to be the “Bible” of the Chinese people. 2000 years on, it is still setting the standards for individual conducts, administration of governments and communities. How has his teachings inspired a way of life that has been so dominant until today? The growth and success of Chinese societies worldwide have bore testament to his teachings. Confucian culture has outperformed others in more ways than one. When people see a correlation between gaining positive results and outcomes, and the practice of his philosophy, the belief grows. As a result of this, people continue to believe and attempt to live by his philosophies, in the hope of attaining the same success.

Confucianism was orchestrated and created by Master Kong who was later named Confucius by missionaries from Jesuit when visiting China. Nevertheless, the basic principles of Confucianism preceded his birth during the Zhan Empire. During that time, the concepts of respect and the considerations for others flourished but there was as well emphasis given to spiritual concerns- specifically, the divine’s goodness and supremacy. Such concepts focused on uniting the people, establishing stability and monitoring rebellion against existing authorities.