Confucius and Confucianism
explanatory Essay
791 words
One of the most famous people in ancient China was a wise philosopher named Confucius (circa
551-479 BC). He was a great Chinese philosopher, educator, and political figure. His teachings and
proverbs are in the Analects, which is the base of many Chinese theories. He was born
in the village of Zou, and the state of Lu. His father died three years after Confucius' birth leaving the
family in destitution, but Confucius did have a decent education. He was married at the age of 19 and had
one son and two daughters.
He worked as a keeper of a market. Then he was a farm worker who took care of parks and farm
animals. When he was 20, he worked for the governor of his province. After a while he decided to teach,
and he began traveling around and teaching few disciples that gathered around him. He became known as a
man of learning and character. He had a great personality which people were attracted to. His respect
for typical Chinese customs soon spread through out Lu.
Confucius lived in China when it was really unsettled. The rulers were catastrophic, and
Confucius thought the only way to keep life in order was for everyone to go back to traditional principles.
He wanted China to go back to the quiet days of the "sage Kings". This was a time in Chinese history when
Kings ruled organized kingdoms. They were peaceful because everyone knew their place in life and acted
accordingly.
Confucius taught in his school his beliefs about respecting family and ancestors for many years. His
theories and principles were spread throughout China by his disciples, and soon many people learned from
his wise sayings. One of his rules said, "Rulers can be great only if t...
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...who was a devout follower of Confucious. These nine books
were considered all you needed to live a good life.
Confucianism started in 136 BC when Wudi?s advisors finally convinced Emperor Wudi that Confucianism
was the superior school. Soon, emperor Wudi set up a Confucian academy to train officials.
In order to get to the Confucian academy, there were a series of examinations. The examination system
spread throughout China and the books previously listed became the basis for these examinations.
First there were the preliminary exams. After that, the first level, if you passed your social class would be
raised higher. Then the second level,which only one in a hundred passed. Finally the final exam, and the
few that passed this exam then had an interview with the emperor who hand picked finalists for
the highest government posts.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucius was a great chinese philosopher, educator, and political figure. his teachings and proverbs are in the analects.
- Narrates how he worked as a market keeper, farm worker, and governor of his province. he became known for his learning and character.
- Explains that confucius believed that the only way to keep life in order was for everyone to go back to traditional principles. he wanted china to return to the quiet days of the "sage kings".
- Explains that confucius taught in his school his beliefs about respecting family and ancestors for many years, and spread throughout china by his disciples.
- Narrates how confucius was appointed magistrate of chung-tu and minister of crime of the state of lu. he left his office in 496 bc, traveling about and teaching, helplessly hoping that some noble would allow him to undertake measures of reform.
- Explains that confucius' teachings and philosophy were so advanced, it was the education for china for 2,000 years.
- Explains that five of the books that confucious was supposed to have worked on were collected together and called the five classics.
- Explains that emperor wudi set up a confucian academy to train officials.
- Narrates the preliminary exams, the second level, and the final exam, where the emperor hand picked finalists.
Related
- analytical
- opinionated
- explanatory
- comparative
- A Critique of Confucian Moralityanalytical essayFor many centuries, Confucianism has been widely revered by the Chinese for its emphasis on morality. Confucius, who lived from 551 to 479 BCE, is different to most philosophers in that he showed no interest questioning his existence, the possibility of a God, or the reality that he seemed to live in; instead he focused on the human relations side of philosophy as it was his belief that people should “give (themselves) earnestly to the duties due to men … (and) keep aloof from (spiritual beings)” (Confucius 195). By negating the metaphysical side of philosophy, he was able to devote himself to mold his disciples into ideal gentleman who were morally righteous, and were able to benefit society. He believed in the importance of individuals who knew their roles in an well-structured society, that was a feudal system. In his opinion, the ideal gentleman should be obedient to his elders, have humanness and be morally righteous. Through his teachings, he was able to reform an entire country; the Chinese found Confucianism to embody practices of humaneness that they could apply in their daily lives through his religion.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how confucianism has been revered by the chinese for its emphasis on morality. he focused on the human relations side of philosophy and molds his disciples into ideal gentleman who were morally righteous.
- Explains that his profound wisdom of morality and human relationships that he imparted to his disciples has been passed down. he became the most significant chinese philosopher.
- Argues that confucius' teachings on filial piety, gender, and society's hierarchal nature can be critiqued as traditional and stint progress.
- Explains that the confucian concept of filial piety can suppress individual thought, which is relevant in many western philosophies.
- Explains that if an individual possesses filial piety, their loyalty is towards their parents and not towards the state. confucius places much emphasis on state and society, but keeping the parents’ honour is the priority.
- Opines that those who are upright are different from the upright. the father conceals the misconduct of the son, and the father hides it.
- Argues that filial piety rejects the widespread belief in the west that people should be independent as this stifles individualistic thought.
- Analyzes how confucianism does not place importance on the role of the female in society.
- Analyzes how confucius shows sexism when he classifies girls and petty people in the same category.
- Explains that confucius was a fervent believer that society had to keep its hierarchal structure. he witnessed the feudal wars that he witnessed during the warring states period.
- Analyzes how confucius believed that the government needed to set a good example. if they acted with "propriety", the citizens would have shame, and moreover, become good.
- Opines that confucius' idealist way of thinking would not be practical, since no government can use moral persuasion in place of laws.
- Concludes that confucianism was utilitarian throughout the many years that it had been predominant in chinese culture. its focus on the society, rather than the individual, contradicts many western philosophers beliefs.
- Argues that fermata's method of imparting knowledge from a superior-inferior based relationship has stifled creativity because of his conservative ways.
1609 wordsRead More - Confucianismopinionated essayConfucianism A philosopher named Confucius founded Confucianism in China 2,500 years ago. Confucianism is a system of ethical behavior and social responsibility that became the great traditions of the East.1 It played an important role in the evolution in Chinese culture over the centuries. It has influenced near-by countries and had made a mark in the history of religion. There are today over six million people who call themselves Confucianists.
In this essay, the author
- Describes confucianism as a system of ethical behavior and social responsibility that became the great traditions of the east.
- Explains that confucius was born in 551 bc in the village of zou in lu. he became a renowned teacher, followed duke zhao into war, became grand secretary of justice, and became chief minister.
- Explains that the teachings of confucius still have a great effect on the culture of china today.
- Opines that itative person alone has the wherewithal to properly discriminate the good person from the bad.
- Opines that only the rvn can like others; who can hate others.
- Opines that only those who have the spirit of goodness within them can love or hate.
- Opines that only the human can love people, and only they can despise people.
- Opines that only a humane man is capable of loving and loathing men.
- Explains that the master said, 'it is only the virtuous man, who can love, or hate, others.'
- Quotes simon leys' quote that only a good man can love people and can hate people.
- Quotes confucius' quote, "only a true man knows how to love people and to hate people."
- Explains that confucius said only the jen person can really like others or to really dislike them.
- Opines that only the complete man can love others, or hate them.
- Explains that when confucius was born in 551 bc, the zhou dynasty was in decline and the rest of china was divided into states where the rulers would be called lords.
- Explains that confucius founded a church and taught people to be gentlemen. he believed that over time they would become officials in government and could change society.
- Explains that confucianism is a whole way of life that includes having the government follow the rules and rituals.
- Explains that mao had no symphony for confucianism and vowed to abolish it in all its forms.
- Explains that mao became emperor, which replaced the idle ruler of confucianism. he had a red book which contained his revolutionary maxims.
- Explains that the benefits of confucianism are better than the original form of government that china had before.
- Analyzes confucius' teachings about loving people and that people should not hate one another. he believed that through education anyone could reach their goal.
1992 wordsRead More - Essay On Confucianismanalytical essayAs people, all of the actions we take, and as a result, the benefits and consequences which occur, are rooted from our own beliefs. This is seen every day through the way we carry ourselves, the choices we make, how we treat others, etc. But, most notably, it is seen throughout history in the actions and culture of nations. China in particular is an area with many belief systems/ideologies which have developed over its long history; these include Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism, and Buddhism. With the previous statement, it is only logical to conclude that these belief systems have had a large impact on China’s development and culture.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that all of the actions we take, and as a result, the benefits and consequences which occur, are rooted from our own beliefs. china has many belief systems/ideologies which have developed over its long history.
- Explains confucianism, one of the most renowned chinese ideologies, was begun by a chinese scholar born in 551 b.c.
- Explains that filial piety was an essential element in ancient religion and ancient life in general. it was the main influence in china's cultural phenomenon of ancestor worship.
- Analyzes the effect of confucius' stressing of relationship between father and son, and filial piety in general, on the fall of the great han dynasty.
- Explains that the harsh ideology of legalism was founded by several people, including li si and hanfeizi.
- Explains that shi huangdi's tight control of his people allowed him to get much more work done than ever before. however, legalism also came with its negative effects.
- Explains that daoism originated in china and was "founded" by laozi, who expressed his beliefs in his book, "dao de jing".
- Explains that daoists turned to science and its studies to achieve their goals. their research led to advancements in the fields of medicine, astronomy, and medicine.
- Explains that buddhism was founded in india by siddhartha gautama and grew into one of the main influential ideologies in chinese culture.
- Explains that buddhism had three main effects on chinese culture. the first was a general change in the character and mood of the population.
- Analyzes how emperor wu converted to buddhism as an adult, and reversed militaristic punishments instilled by legalists before him. wu encouraged vegetarianism.
- Explains that the mongols took over northern china, and people lost faith in their government due to widespread poverty. by encouraging buddhist practices, the rulers allowed for them to help people through their many services.
- Concludes that the belief systems of a nation can both directly and indirectly influence the nation's people and culture.
1410 wordsRead More - Confucianism Vs Daoism Essayexplanatory essayConfucianism became popular during the Han Dynasty as it was the state religion and had a great impact on East Asia (Confucianism 1, pg. 7). Born in 551 BCE in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Confucius himself absorbed the teachings of Mahavira and the Buddha (Confucianism 1, pg. 2) He had a set of virtues that he believed a functioning society should stand by such as benevolence, love and rites. Confucius wanted China to return to the old days when people were loyal to their rulers and rulers were polite and caring towards their people. He believed rulers s...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucianism and daoism were welcomed by society during the warring states period to bring order, stability, and liberate people from misery and oppression.
- Explains that confucianism became popular during the han dynasty as it was the state religion and had a great impact on east asia.
- Explains daoism is based off of the teachings of laozi and is concerned with human beings living a balanced life between good and evil or otherwise known as yin-yang.
- Explains that confucius believed in competition and taking into credit something that you have invented, which was seen as a threat by the daoists.
779 wordsRead More - Confucianismexplanatory essayConfucianism Confucianism is a system of thought based on the teachings of a Chinese man named Kung Fuzi. Which is latinaized as Confucius, he lived from 551 to 479 b.c.e. Confucius claimed that he was not original and neither were his teachings, but believed himself to be a “creative transmitter of wisdom from the past”. He created a moral code on based on ethics, humanity and love. Confucius philosophies emphasize the ideals of order and harmony.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that kung fuzi is latinized as confucius and lived from 551 to 479 b.c.e.
- Opines that he created a moral code to transmit wisdom from the past.
- Explains the idea that people should live in harmony with each other.
- Explains that the man of the house was like the emperor or priest.
- Explains that the duty of the father was to make sacrifices and report any loss.
- Explains that ren, which means “humanity”, thought that should be the ideal for humanity.
- Explains that confucinism refers to basic texts which are called the five.
- Explains the building blocks that have helped the chinese civilization be such a stable force.
- Explains that confucianism is different from any other religion due to the fact that the chinese see religion as a form of education.
- Explains that spring and autumn annals is a brief chronicle of events in confucius home state. the book of change consists of divination or helps the follower to foretell future events.
- Explains that the yin and yang forces are constantly changing in power but each are necessary in order to maintain a balance. wood, metal, fire, water and earth are all made up of five elements.
640 wordsRead More - Confucius was one of the first men to have different ideas on how rulers should go about their ruling of people during the Zhou Dynasty. “Its career as a prominent tradition in China began with its adoption by the Han dynasty, and virtually every East Asian regime of the past thousand years or more has endorsed Confucianism as its official ideology.” Confucius believed that rulers should rule in a manner that is beneficial to the people being governed and in a way that is morally right and traditionally acceptable (for the time). Confucius spent most of his time with a group of followers, in search of a ruler who would follow his teaching and take his advice. (web.cn.edu)(patheos.org 1)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucius was one of the first men to have different ideas on how rulers should go about their ruling of people during the zhou dynasty.
- Analyzes how confucius' ideas were described as traditional and emphasized the importance of family and children obeying their parents. his teachings were similar to a hierarchy.
- Explains that confucius encouraged his followers to influence other rulers to care about the people they are ruling and follow the same teachings of moral and traditional governing.
- Explains that buddhism originated in northern india in the 5th century b.c.e.
- Explains that buddhism was a religion not for any particular social class and encouraged its spread to people of all social classes. it influenced many artifacts in china.
- Explains that confucianism and buddhism have many differences, but also have similarities in their philosophies.
670 wordsRead More - Confucianism And Legalism Essayanalytical essayWhile some individuals searched for individual serenity, others sought for approaches to reinstate political and social order. Confucius, a competent teacher, was one of the many individual who sought to renovate order. His ambition to help rebuild his fallen nation with his teachings was most favorable in establishing stability. As citizens in China accepted and embraced Confucianism as a religion, the shaken country began to stabilize. Confucius’s concern of individual ethics in the spheres of government and society and his teaching of each individual’s duties, social structures, unity, and honor and respect strengthen the Chinese civilization to prevent the disunity and strife of the Warring States Period from reoccurring. With his incessant love for his nation and his beliefs, he played a key role in reconstructing a sound political and social order.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that life was harsh and tumultuous during the warring states period, a time of political and social change, in china. confucianism, daoism, and legalism were the primary philosophy schools of the time.
- Analyzes how confucius provided guidance on perfecting oneself and how to be a well-respected and beloved leader in doctrine of mean.
- Explains confucius' advices on how to properly rule the empire, such as teaching the people to understand virtue, providing for their material well-being, and organizing them for defense against internal and external enemies.
- Analyzes how confucius introduced meritocracy into the government. he believed that one shouldn't be barred from an opportunity because of their social standing.
- Explains that confucius believed that all people are inherently good but due to deleterious examples in society, people become corrupt. he emphasized the importance of following the five relationships in order for social harmony and prevents corruption.
- Explains how confucius and his teachings reestablished a trustworthy administration for the citizens of china after incessant warfare between local powers.
- Opines that confucius, a competent teacher, was one of the many individuals who sought to renovate order. his ambition to rebuild his fallen nation with his teachings was most favorable in establishing stability.
1055 wordsRead More - The Concept of Confucianismcomparative essayThe concept of Confucianism has contributed immensely in the forming of Chinese character, behaviour and the way to live, with its main purpose being to achieve harmony which is considered the greatest social value. Confucianism firmly highlights the impression of mercy, social order and fulfilment of responsibilities. The effects of Confucianism had impacted both China and Japan to the extent that the changes are still noticeable to this day.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the concept of confucianism has contributed immensely in the forming of chinese character, behavior, and the way to live.
- Compares confucius' influence in chinese history with that of socrates in the west.
- Explains that confucianism was centred on the concept of his teachings and writings. it spread across to korea and japan where increasing influence was gained over time.
578 wordsRead More - Understanding Confucianismexplanatory essayConfucianism is a complex system of moral, social, political, and religious teaching built up by Confucius on the ancient Chinese traditions, and still is the state religion down to the present day. Confucianism aims at making not just a man of virtue, but the man of learning and good manners. The perfect man must combine the qualities of a saint, a scholar, and gentleman. Confucianism is a religion without positive revelation with a minimum of dogmatic teachings.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucianism is a complex system of moral, social, political, and religious teaching built up by confuzius on the ancient chinese traditions.
- Explains that confucius was born in 551 bc, in what was then the fudal state of lu, now included in the modern providence of shang-tsung.
- Describes how lu's confidence to find a ruler never left him. he spent his last five years of his life encouraging others to study and practice the virtues.
- Describes how confucius felt the approaching of death as he walked around the courtyard, humming the words: "the great mountain must collapse, the mighty beam must break and the wise man wither like a plant."
- Explains that confucius possessed a noble, commanding personality. he was affectionate, sympathetic, and considerate towards others.
- Explains that confucianism is a philosophy or attitude that is concerned with human beings, their achievements and interest, rather than with the abstract being and problems of theology.
- Explains that men will not consider only their parents as parents, nor treat their own children as their children. the aged will find a meaningful life till their death, the able persons are fully employed, and the young are provided with upbringing.
- Explains that confucius says that the nature of man is humanity and morality in one.
- Explains confucius' four virtues: sincerity, benevolence, filial piety, and propriety.
- Opines that the superior man should have all goodness, beauty, and truth. he should be noble in ability, manners of a gentleman and wisdom of the sage.
864 wordsRead More - Confucius And Lao Tzu Essayopinionated essayConfucius: Hi my name is Confucius and I was born in a small chinese state of Lu in 551 BCE (Perkins, “Confucius”). I have many intelligent ideas to offer, such as bringing humanity to my beautiful people. I am one of the most important figures in China’s history.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that confucius believes in the five constant relationships: the ruler and subject, husband and wife, parent and child, older sibling to younger sister, and peer to peer.
- Opines that the best kind of donut is the jelly-dunks at dunkin donuts.
- Explains that lao tzu is similar to their belief of the tao. it guides life to the right path.
- Opines that lao tzu's people should live simply and spontaneously, like hippies. they enjoy reading jeremy bermans notes about their philosophy and speak highly of it.
- Opines that lao tzu's philosophy requires accepting what happens in life and enjoying a peaceful society. government and family are irrelevant.
- Opines that if respect is taught in the household, it will carry on in society. they emphasize that people get educated which would improve their knowledge.
- Explains that confucius is winning 20 points while lao tzu has negative 10 points.
- Opines that the overall success for people depends on the characteristics of the emperor.
- Opines that confucius is too lazy to write his own book.
- Describes how confucius' ideas flourished during the han dynasty and continued moving into the future after he died.
- Opines that lao tzu created a period of peace and quiet until the times changed.
- Narrates the debate between confucius and lao tzu. many think he was a great philosopher, while others think random people made him up.
- Describes the characteristics and values of an ideal society.
- Describes the characteristics and values of an ideal society.
- Asks confucius if he likes a stable and well-run political society, but also wants to see his people living life to its fullest and doing good to others.
- Compares lao tzu's tao te ching to confucius' the analects, which costs $20.00 and has free shipping.
- Opines that confucius helped unite a controlled society, brought order and control, and respect in the household.
- Narrates how lao tzu jumps on top of the water buffalo and escapes. he decides it really did happen, even though he didn't win the debate.
1249 wordsRead More