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Thursday, March 31, 2011

21.3: Confucianism

Confucuanism is based on the beliefs and teaching of Kongfuzi, who is generally called Confucius by westerners. This philosophy deeply influenced Chinese government and culture.

The Founder of Confucianism
Confucius lived from 551 to 497 B.C.E. he was born in the tiny state of Lu in eastern China. Cunfucius experienced firsthand the disorder that erupted when lods fought for power. Between 722 and 481 B.C.e., his own state was invaded many times. He deepy respected respected Chinese traditions such as reverance for ancestors and the honor given to scholars. Cunfucius also saw that society and government had to evolve if there was going to be peace and order.

The Teachings of Confucianism
Confucianism is based on a just and peaceful society. Confucius taught and told people that society worked a lot better when all people acted properly based on their relationships with others.
According to Confucianism, there are five basic relationships: ruler and subject, husband and wife, father and son, older sibling and younger subling, and friend and friend. In particular, all people must obey those above them, along with elders. In return, the people with authority like rulers, fathers, husbands, and older siblings, were told to set aa good example. This would mean being kind, honest, wise and faithful. Confucius taught, "Do not do to others what you would not want done to you."

The Influence of Confucianism
Confucius attracted many scholars, and students who went along to spread his teachings. After he died, some of them made all of his sayings into a book called The Analects. Later, scholars further developed Confucianism.

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