Confucius was an important early Chinese philosopher whose teachings on harmonious social relationships and the importance of filial piety still influence China today. He taught that people should understand the five key relationships of father-son, older brother-younger brother, husband-wife, ruler-subject, and friend-friend. In these relationships, superiors like older people and men were to take care of and set good examples for their inferiors. Confucius also emphasized honesty, hard work, concern for others, and that people are naturally good.

1. Confucius The most important philosopher in early Chinese history was a man named Confucius. Many of Confucius’s ideas still affect China today.

2. The Analects Confucius never wrote his ideas. After his death, his students collected his sayings in The Analects.

3. Good Citizens Confucius did not teach people about religion. Instead, he taught people how to be good citizens.

4. Confucius Confucius believed it was important for people to live in harmony with each other.

5. Harmony To live in harmony people needed to understand the importance of five relationships. 1. father to son 2. oldest brother to youngest brother 3. Husband to wife 4. ruler to subject 5. friend to friend

6. Confucius In these five relationships, people were not equal. - Older people were superior to younger people - men were superior to women rulers were superior to citizens. It was important for superior people to take care of their inferiors and set a good example

7. Filial Piety The MOST IMPORTANT duty was filial piety. Filial Piety means respect for your parents is your most important duty.

8. Honesty Confucius also stressed the importance of: honesty hard work (and) concern for others

9. Naturally Good Confucius believed that people were naturally good. The best ruler ruled by good example.

10. Education Confucius believed that all men could be educated. It was important for rulers to listen to the ideas of educated men.

11. After he died, his ideas did not become a religion. His ideas did spread to many parts of the world. Many countries practiced Confucius’s ideas, like filial piety, and used his ideas in their governments.