Kong Qui's Anatributions Of Confucius

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.

Husbands owed their wives support, and wives owed their husbands obedience. Above all, rulers had to set good examples. If a king ruled for the common good, his subjects would respect him and society would prosper. Confucius believed that if each person did his or her duty, society as a whole would do well. He also urged people to be good and to seek

Confucius taught about the good of people and the importance of The Five Relations between all people. If they were followed, a better

[Smith 154-59; Analects (Lun Yu) of Confucius (Kung Tze)] Comprehensively explain the life of Confucius. Why is he called ‘the First Teacher’? Explain one or more key instance where a biographical experience of his played a crucial role in the development of his philosophical doctrines. Provide at least one example from the Analects readings that illustrate some biographical point from his life in practice or within his explicit teachings.

Secondly, Confucius viewed rules and laws as harmful. He argued that people led by laws and punishments will try to avoid punishment but lose the sense of shame. If they are led by virtue and guided by propriety, they will preserve their sense of shame and become good citizens5. He saw a country as an extended family and a ruler should take care of his citizens like a father would take care of his children. The ruler as the “father” would need to set a proper example for the right ethics to flow down5.

Conficius grew up in a time where feudal lords where constantly fighting each other for control because the government was weak. As a result, Conficius never forgot his childhood misery caused by the horrendous atrocities committed by the rulers. Since his mom work was not enough to survive for both of them, he started working at a really young age, which provided him with the opportunity to understand the people’s lives. Instead of learning the art of fighting, Conficius read through many books seeking one solution that would bring peace and justice to his people. Conficius’ main goal was to end corruption and restore peace, but he needed a government position to implement his policies. He believed that the differences between classes would

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

     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.

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

Confucius was a man who wanted world peace, to end all conflict. He lived from 551 B.C. to 479 B.C. and was born and died in Qufu, China. Also, he taught and created Confucianism. Confucianism is mainly based on respect. Using Confucianism, Confucius was able to help make an idea for an excellent government. Even so, Confucius thought he did not do well to make an impact on people and believed he was a failure. But, his followers were able to live in peace. According to the biography.com, “His social philosophy was based primarily on the principle of "ren" or "loving others" while exercising self-discipline. He believed that ren could be put into action using the Golden Rule, ‘What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.’ (Lunyu

Confucius thought that by following the traditions valued by the very first kings of the Zhou Dynasty, once again there would be order in society. He thought that the best way to live was to be tolerant of others and to have self-discipline. The “gentleman,” Confucius’s ideal man, was educated, loyal, and fair, concerned about other people, and had integrity and good manners. According to his followers, Confucius said, “Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you.” He thought another way to keep order in society was to have defined roles for people. Some people were superior to other people: rulers were superior to subjects, fathers were superior to sons, husbands were superior to wives, and so forth. He believed it was important

To Confucius, the family is one of the most important parts of society. He explains that the government is really just an extension of the family and its relationships. There are 5 base relationships that Confucius explains. He indicates that the relationships are: the ruler and the subject, the father and the son, husband and wife, elder son and younger son, and friend and friend. In these relationships, Confucius says that the superior in the relationship is the one who owns the power in the relationship because they are the leader and the role model in the situation. The inferior person in each relationship must be obedient and must give as much respect to their superior as possible. These relationships are all based on morality of the people in the relationship. The superior must be a person with good morals in order for these relationships to be successful. If the person with the power and responsibility isn’t morally just then the person that looks up to them and respects them will become morally bad as well. Since these relationships are extended into the government, it proves that morality plays a significant role in the government. Confucius thinks that every person is to carry out their appropriate responsibilities in their society just like in their relationships (Dongfang 404). For example, a ruler must carry out his responsibilities to lead

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

Within the Analects, one specific line stands out showing Confucius’ stance on a less active government. When asking about what they would do if given a political office, Confucius only agree with the following statement ushered by Tseng His, “In the late spring when the spring dress is ready, I would like to go with five or six grown-ups and six or seven young boys to bathe in the I River, enjoy the breeze on the Rain Dance Altar, and then return home singing” (Chan p. 38). By agreeing, Confucius is noting the preferred method by which an office holder should act, one which amplifies their connection with inner harmony and helps the people enhance their own. This extends into the ruler himself as well, with Confucius noting that “If a ruler sets himself right, he will be followed without his command. If he does not set himself right, even his commands will not be obeyed” (Chan p. 41). Confucius also notes the superiority of filial piety and respect towards one’s family over loyalty to the state, stating that in his (hypothetical) country upright men conceal the misconduct of their children and fathers even when against the law (Chan p. 41). Confucianism in relation to government shows the belief that the inherent goodness in men must be allowed to flourish, even when against

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