How Did Confucius Affect Ancient China

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.

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

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.

-special meals Who’s Confucius? • Confucius: Kung the Philosopher -not a religious leader, believed in divine nature -political virtue and good government What was in doctrine?

Confucius and those ancient educators as a representative of extensive and profound Chinese culture, Confucianism is one of the most impressed thoughts in Chinese history and benefits billions of people around the world. “Ren” is the core of Confucianism, which simply knowns as Benevolence that derived from internal cultivation. “Ren” is an abstract notion, but when it exists in reality, it turned out to be something that observable and feasible emotions. There are some analects that related to learning that I read and my impression about it.

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

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.

Confucianism created the Chinese view of life. The Confucian view is based on the ancient Chinese tradition. It can be stated that the view of Confucius and that of the Chinese began in the same place ( Bush, 15). In subsequent centuries Confucius’ teachings exerted a powerful influence on the Chinese nation. Therefore, the history that surrounds both Confucius as well as Confucianism is relevant to how many eastern

Confucius lived from 551-479 B.C. He was a philosopher, political thinker and educator whose ideas have greatly influenced not only Chinese culture but world civilization. Confucius lived during the “Spring” and “Autumn” period of Chinese history, when east central China was divided into over a dozen small warring states. The great disorder and suffering he saw influenced his political ideas, which emphasized order, hierarchy and the rule of a benevolent sovereign. Confucius was a philosopher who developed a great “reverence” for Ji Dan (Duke of Zhou) of the Western Zhou dynasty, which reigned from the 11th c. to 771 BCE. He also sought to apply the political structures of that distant time to the State ofw2 Lu. However, the great social turmoil of the Spring and Autumn period, and the sharpening struggles within the ruling class, made this impossible, and he became very dissatisfied. In an effort to spread his political ideas, he travelled extensively to other states only to be repeatedly rebuffed (McEnroe, 14). He died at the age of 73, having failed to ever succeed with his society. Scholars down the ages have always maintained that "benevolence" is the core of Confucian teaching. "Benevolence" found its expression through the performance of li, a term usually translated as rites, but which actually encompassed a great deal more: not just rituals but the social and political structure, the etiquette of behaviour between human beings Confucius observed the functioning of the patriarchal, hierarchical society of his times and concluded that ‘virtuous rule’ consistent of applying strict control over the populace. The philosophy of Confucius, also known as Confucianism, emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. Confucius is traditionally credited with having authored or edited many of the Chinese classic texts including all of the Five Classics, but modern scholars are cautious of attributing specific assertions to Confucius himself. Aphorisms concerning his teachings were compiled in the Analects, but only many years after his death (life, 2015). Confucius's principles had a basis in common Chinese tradition and belief. He championed strong

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

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

“…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

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.

Such as, one should not be selfish, treat people the way you want to be treated, and you’ll be treated back with respect. If they don’t then it is not the fault in you. Confucius also taught that not everyone is perfect, even the king. If the king is to rule or behavior false manner, he can also lose his power. There are also the teachings of filial piety, which implies that you should respect your parents and elders because they’re the ones who raised you. Also, you can learn valuable experiences and wisdom from them. Confucius encourages the growth in both knowledge and spiritual growth. He also believes in meritocracy, which is the concept of; you get what you get because of how good you are, not because of the status you’re born with. Confucianism also encourages kindness, respects, and politeness towards yourself, and other around you. There should also be humanness towards your enemies, this will allow you to past petty grudges and become a better person. This is also the belief in ratification of names where one should treat others based on their titles. Confucianism also taught people to be worthy of themselves. To be worthy of carrying your family name, to be worthy of having the title you’re given, and the responsibility to give your full effort in accomplishing the task that is given to you. Ultimately, for a utopian society Confucianism states that