Positive Principles Of Confucianism

Confucianism has been a part of Chinese culture for over a thousand years. Many who have studied Confucianism would say that it is not a religion. It is better described as a philosophy or moral code. The philosophy of Confucianism comes mainly from the speeches and writings of Confucius, a great Chinese thinker and educator. He believed that Humanity, Rite, Neutrality, Virtue, Education, and Cultivation were the basis of human behavior. In addition, Confucius felt that this philosophy was the best way for people to behave and interact with others in society.

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

Confucian reinforced the need for people to respect their family and encouraged them to work hard

Children in Ancient China had different expectations laid out for them, mostly dependent on gender and age. One of the most important values instilled in children was respect. Children were expected to respect authority figures above all, but also to respect those in their immediate family. Religion and philosophies in Ancient China played a major role in what was expected of Chinese children. Expectations also varied depending on the child’s social status. Confucianism in particular is acknowledged as the major influence in the daily lives of Chinese people, but especially children.

Confucian culture, also known as Confucianism, was founded by Confucius during the Spring and Autumn Period, which was developed gradually after the Han Dynasty with benevolence as the core. Since the Han Dynasty, Confucianism was the official ideology and the basis of mainstream ideology in the vast majority of historical periods of China, and it also influenced many southeast Asian countries in history. After a variety of shocks, Confucianism was still the core values of China's social public, and represented the Chinese culture and national tradition in the world (Littlejohn, 2010). In the contemporary society, the Confucian culture in China increasingly spread, at the

China’s religion is very diverse. One of the first religions is Confucianism. The creator was

In Ancient China, they believed in strict social groups. Chinese philosopher, Confucius, taught that strict social order was the key to success in the society. Men and Women were not equal at all. Men had many more privileges. Also, the Chinese strongly believed in wisdom of the elders, so grandparents were greatly respected.

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

According to The Analects, Confucianism brings harmony by not doing things to others that you wouldn’t want done to yourself. Confucianists follow Ren and Li. Ren (humility) is when one is kind, benevolent, and has humaneness towards others. Li is the rituals, rites, etiquette and propriety which lead to peace and harmony. Ren brings harmony by someone giving love and being equal. I believe that ren really does bring harmony into a society because when someone has a lot of pride, it ruins a lot for them, people don’t really look at them as a humble person. Humility actually makes you be a better person because you accept when you make errors and not making yourself look as a very important person (this doesn’t mean someone feels worthless or bad about themselves). Whereas, Li brings harmony by knowing and accepting where you stand in society. The best example I could think of is respect. You have to respect whom is above you. For example it is my obligation to respect my older sisters because I’m younger than them. In class, I was told that if everyone does the proper thing, society will function well and will lead to peace and harmony.

Adler, Joseph A. "Confucianism in China Today." 14 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Oct. 2013. .

When Western people think of Confucianism, they often think of it in a past sense- as something only relevant to ancient China that cannot be applied to modern day society. However, what these people fail to realize is that Confucianism’s roots have been so integrated into China’s society that the values have become a part of every day life. Without having to explicitly state that they are following specifics aspects of Confucianism, most Chinese people submit to them, often times unknowingly. However, Confucian values not only exist in the Chinese society, but also permeate into other areas of Chinese culture such as architecture and aspects of Feng-Shui.

Confucius was born in an impoverished family. Throughout his childhood he was very eager to learn so his mother fostered that. He had several small positions in government in his home state, Lu. He was the first ever teacher/educationalist in the history of China. His teachings found in the Analects, discusses ethical modules family, politics, economy, and more. In his teachings he promotes humanness (ren), ritual propriety (li), and the developing of exemplary persons (Junzi). (Li pg. 87)

Confucianism is a time enduring philosophy that has stood up to invading clans, war, resentment, enforcement and infringement of new philosophies, and eventually, revival. For almost 80 years, up until the late 1970’s, Confucianism and its ideas and values have been all but wiped away from China. Though effort was made to remove Confucianism for good from China by the Communist leader Mao Zedong in 1949, the ideas and values were so deeply embedded into peoples mind and the culture that even suppression could not keep it out of the culture and practices. The main factor that has brought Confucianism back into the limelight in China and other East Asian countries is the recent

was the education for China for 2,000 years. Confucius had few simple morals, to honor one?s parents and

Following the above discussion there emerges subsequent issues on how to localize international human rights mechanism without being hurdled by cultural diversity as well as taking political culture into consideration. Starting with a cultural consideration, the question what exactly then Confucianism apply in East Asia politics and what Confucianism pertains the cultural advantages and disadvantages of the contemporary human rights mechanism in East Asia come to the first glance. Confucianism in diverse form affects the people in Asia, not only in the political area but also the internal behavioral model and mentality. The question whether Confucianism provides thinking sources for the adaptor of human rights thinking has distinctly embodied