Confucius Essay

Confucianism : Religion Or Philosophy? Essay
Confucianism: Religion or Philosophy? Most ancient philosophical ideas developed in the ancient
Chinese empires are believed to have their roots from Confucius. Confucianism was a simple way
of life propagated by Confucius around the fifth and sixth century BC. Often perceived as a religion
and other times as philosophy, it is conceivably best unspoken as a comprehensive humanism that
neither slights nor denies heaven. The Chinese populaces have devotedly observed Confucianism for
nearly two millennia. It has become an implicit part of their culture. However, there seem to be a cod
division among its proponents holding contrasting perspectives and understanding with respect to it.
The central focus of this presentation is to address the questions whether Confucianism is a religion
or a philosophy or it encompasses both.
Historical Background of Confucianism: 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. As Confucius set his course to develop his philosophy, he was also
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Confucius Influence On Education
Confucius (551–479) also known as Kongzi (е”еђ KЗ’ng ZЗђ, literally "Master Kong") was a
Chinese teacher, philosopher, editor, and politician in the Chinese history and his was highly
influenced Eastern thought and culture. He was born on 551 BC in the place Zou, Lu state (near
today's Qufu, Shandong Province). His father Kong He was a minor official, in the Lu military.
When his is three years old, his father Kong He is died. Confucius was grows up in a poor family
and foster by his mother Yan Zhengzai. His was studied and learned the Six Arts (rites, music,
archery, chariot driving, calligraphy and mathematics) at schools for commoners. Confucius was
travelling from town to town around China in the rest of his life, with his disciples unsuccessfully
...show more content...
The teaching of Confucius had a huge influence on the development of Chinese society, and
especially of its education and moral science, at different times and under a diversity circumstances.
The Confucian theory had major impact on other countries such as Korea, Vietnam, Japan and
South–East Asian countries. Confucius had an own view on teacher such as, his believe a good
teacher should be love the work, teacher as a role model to student, teacher is to help their student
find the best way to learn and grow and the teacher need to always improve themselves. Although,
Confucius teaching methods was not directly focus on the early childhood education. But it was
suitable and related to the early childhood education and influences nowadays early childhood
education system. The Confucius teaching method such as Careful selection and flexible application
of the teaching materials; Improve students' motivation, Independent thinking; Consider the
difference of individuals, the learning process and the attitude; Ask and answer teaching model;
Emphasis on moral education and teamwork's all was using in the early childhood education
nowadays. The early childhood education is more focus on the moral education and the learning and
the attitude, it was matching to the Confucius teaching method. Until today, in many countries,
Confucius still has an important place in the education

Is Confucianism A Religion?
Is Confucianism A Religion?
Without a doubt, Confucius is regarded as one of the greatest sages of China history. Some people
even refer to him as a deity. There have even been attempts to make Confucianism into a religion.
However, present day people regard Confucius as an ethical teacher rather than a man of religious
faith, and they refuse to believe that Confucianism is a religion. However, in order to determine
whether Confucianism is a religion, the most important Confucian text, The Analects, must be
analyzed to decide whether his teachings were rationally humanistic or based on religion and divinity.
Throughout The Analects, it appears evident that there are aspects that seem metaphysical and
beliefs that seem religious. One idea of religion that appears to be in The Analects is the idea of
fate. This belief in fate suggested that Confucius had some belief in a supreme deity. Throughout
The Analects, Confucius reveals many times this sign of divine commission. In Book VII, it
quotes, "The Master said, 'Heaven is author of the virtue that is in me. What can Huan T'ui do to
me?'"(Analects 89). Then in Book XIV, this idea is mentioned again, "The Master said, 'It is
Destiny if the Way prevails, it is equally Destiny if the Way falls into disuse. What can Kung
–po
Liao do in defiance of Destiny?'"(Analects 130). Furthermore in Book IX, the Analects refer to fate
of the entire society, when it quotes "the Master said, 'With King Wen dead, is not culture

A Reflection On Confucius ' Philosophy
More than two thousand years ago, Chinese philosopher, Kongzi, also known as Confucius, taught
his disciples how to follow the path to goodness. In The Analects, Confucius's disciples describe
the actions of their "Master," and his journey to achieve goodness by performing rituals in his
everyday life in order to break out of patterns. By taking steps to break out of the patterns of
everyday life, one can more fully strive for goodness. But Confucius was clear that this journey of
self–cultivation was not easy or temporally limited. Indeed, the very first chapter of The Analects
highlights the precept of the occasion of practice and perseverance. This paper will focus upon
Confucius's emphasis regarding the process of performing...show more content...
Confucius believed that to achieve goodness, one needed to break out of these patterns. The process
of self–cultivation could be achieved by performing rituals. The rituals Confucius advocated can be
defined as customs or conventions that aim to create a better world. By "[looking] within yourself"
(Book 4, Chapter 17, Page 12), one can break out of these patterns to see the world from a different
and better perspective. Achieving goodness, then, would mean the ability to break out of patterns to
change oneself as a human being with the result of having the ability to sense one's own (as well as
others') messy energy. The disciples wrote, "The Master said, 'Do not look unless it is in
accordance with ritual; do not listen unless it is in accordance with ritual; do not speak unless it is
in accordance with ritual; do not move unless it is in accordance with ritual'" (Book 12, Chapter 1,
Page 34). Confucius taught that when we perform rituals, we are taking steps to be a different and
better person, which in turn, creates a better world.
A critical focus of Confucius's teachings was the difficulty, as well as the effort and perseverance
necessary to ascend the path to goodness. In the passage set forth in Book 9, Chapter 19, Confucius
likens the journey of self–cultivation to a person building a mountain. This would undoubtedly be a
difficult, if not impossible, task. Nonetheless, Confucius emphasized

Confucius's Argument Analysis
On the contrary, if a person were to view the situation in a positive aspect, he or she would take a
step back to reevaluate him or herself to find room for improvements. The fourth step was to
discriminate clearly meaning a person's choice is in their own hands, and therefore always try to
make the wisest decisions that will only be beneficial. As a result, a person who make choices must
be carefully selective. Lastly, the fifth step was to earnestly practice the teachings to indicate that in
order for a person to be an expertise at something, he or she must constantly exercise the materia and
make it a habit. The more a person drill the information in his or her head, the more proficient they
will become. Being diligent and accepting humility is essential to learning because it make the
individual mentally stronger. Confucius stated, "I have been the whole day without eating, and the
whole night without sleeping: occupied with thinking. It was no use" (Chen 411). One...show more
content...
Confucius believed that to regulate a society it means to set rules legitimately and honorably (Chen
413). The only way to have a strong regulated government is through education pertaining to political
principles. Therefore, he had to conquer through each state and observed predicaments (Raaflaub
25). Obtaining a substantial government affects the outcome of military performances because the
government is the main source of providing funds. Confucius's philosophical rituals and teachings
was used to reinvigorate the parodistic world that he had hoped for. All in all, Confucius's philosophy
and teachings not only impacted China but also other countries all over Asia. Confucianism
influenced humanity to morally obtain justice acts, thoughts, and discipline. Once a person is
proficient in those skills, he or she will achieve happiness and

How Did Confucius Affect Ancient China
Research Question: Who was Confucius, and how did he affect Ancient China?
Introduction
Effective Beginning
Confucius was a moral philosopher and famous teacher who greatly influenced China for over
2,000 years (Myths and Civilization of Ancient Chinese 16 and "Confucius Develops Moral Beliefs"
1).
Background Information
Confucius developed his own philosophy known as Confucianism ("Biography Confucius" 2).
Confucius teachings became the state philosophy of China during the Han Dynasty and the basis of
government and civil service exams ("Biography Confucius" 2).
Confucianism greatly influenced society by teaching others benevolence, or kindness which is one
of his many beliefs, Jen ("Confucianism and Daoism" 2).
Thesis Statement
Confucius was a famous teacher and philosopher who influenced people in prehistoric China and the
world today through his childhood, later life, accomplishments, and beliefs....show more content...
Evidence – Confucius was born into a noble family, when his parents died, he became a teacher
(Chiang 20).
Supporting Evidence – Eventually, he worked for the government, he started out as governor of a
small town then worked his way up to advisor of top levels of government ("Biography Confucius"
2).
Analysis of Evidence – As a child, Kong Fuzi (Confucius in Chinese) was still making a difference
by becoming a teacher and working for the government, which probably led to him becoming known
as the famous Confucius.
Conclusion – In all, Confucius didn't only affect China as a mature and wise adult, but also changed
China as a child through his younger years.
Category 2: Later Life/Death
Mini–Thesis – During Confucius's later life and even death, he continued to leave important
teachings that are still used and thought of

Essay on Confucius
Confucius
Confucius is the founder of Confucianism. The name "Confucius" is the Latin name for Kong
Qiu–zi. Confucius was born in the village of Zou in the country of Lu in 551 BC. He was a poor
descendant of a disposed noble family. As a child, he held fake temple rituals; as a young adult,
quickly earned a reputation for fairness, politeness, and love of learning, and he was reputed to be
quite tall. When he was 35 years old, Duke Zhao of Lu led his country to war, this was routed and
fled to Qi. While he was there, Duke Zhao would frequently go to him for advice, but after the
counsel of one of his minister, Zhao was unable to give Confucius land and eventually stopped
seeking advice. He eventually went back to Lu. At age 50,...show more content...
After more wandering, he eventually returned t Lu at age 67. Although they welcomed him there,
he was not offered public office anymore, and he did not seek it. Instead he spent the rest of his
years teaching and writing. He died at age 72. After his death Confucius' followers spread this
system of belief. It had a major impact on the Chinese culture.
SYMBOLS A symbol that is used or associated with the religion ofConfucianism is the yin–yang.
Yin–yang are " the two countervailing forces of the universe, each necessary for balance yet each
constantly changing in power." Yin refers to any thing that is negative, yang refers to anything that
is positive. The irony is that these two things tell people everything they know, it is impossible for
the both not to be in coexistence with each other.This is saying that life attracts opposites, such as:
good and evil, light and darkness, and war and peace. " It shows the two opposites, yin and yang,
eternally pursuing each other in a harmonious way." It is true they are opposites, but there is no
conflict, there is only balance.
" This drawing symbolizes the way life should be lived. No one can hope for all pleasure and no
pain, or all life and no death, or all happiness and no waiting, or all agreement and no
disagreement." This means that no one's life can be set to perfection, there is always room for
adjustments. If "harmonious interplay between yang and yin" is the

The Philosophy of Confucius Essay
One of the widely read philosopher in the world is K'ung Ch'iu (Kong Qiu ) commonly known as
Confucius. K'ung Ch'iu was not famous during his lifetime and traveled from state to state to gather
a small group of disciples and became the first master. Confucius has an immense importance in
Eastern culture and philosophy; however, there isn't an abundance of reliable documents on the life of
Confucius. The foundation of the Confucian tradition comes from concise accounts of his life and
teachings in Lun Yu or The Analects. During his life Confucius never wrote any document
containing his philosophies, however, the teachings of Confucius and his conversations with his
disciples are recorded in The Analects by his followers hundred years after...show more content...
The word that is commonly translated as rites or ritual is li. Although rites or ritual is the general
meaning of li, it also include proper conduct involving sensible observance of social norms,
satisfying an ethical role devotedly, fulfilling the responsibilities associated with that one's role.
Moreover, it may be understood to include the full range of social customs, ethical norms, cultural
beliefs, and principles embodied in all institutions of society. The primary explanation of why we
need rites is that the rites begin with ancient practices and the Sage kings performed rites. According
to Confucius when rites are complete appropriately human emotion and senses are fully articulated.
Confucius strongly advocated for ritual, he believed that participation in ritual can serve to unite
different people, thus strengthening the human community.
According to the Lunyu (Analects), Confucius states that people out to live within the parameters
firmly established by t'ien (heaven). For Confucius, Heaven is a decisive, ultimate being as well as
'nature' which has fixed patterns and cycles. Thus, Confucius argues that according to heaven; all
men are responsible for their actions and he emphasizes ones treatment of others.
Li can also be considered an invested role related to the relationship, an institution or foundation that
encourages and facilitates the smooth interaction among people in order to create a sense of
community. Moreover, Li provides one with social

Confucius Argument Essay
A ruler must have good morals and virtue. Without this, the people won't follow a ruler's
commands, and a ruler isn't anything without his people. Ruler must have laws and punshiments
which follow his morals, so the peopl can avoid wrong doing. Killing is not nessecary to rule a
community. If you follow what is right, then the people will follow without fight. However, there
must be some punishments put in place. What quote from the source supports what you think? It is
proven that Confucius believes in good morals in rulers throughout the source, but it is highlighted
when he says, "If you desire what is good, the people will be good." This means that if a ruler
follows the right way, then the people will be good. Confucius also states that

Confucius Essay
Confucius
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...show more content...
At age 50, he was approached by the Baron of Qi to help defend against a rebellion, but he
declined. He was later made a city magistrate by the Duke of Lu and under his administration the city
flourished; he was promoted many times, eventually becoming Grand Secretary of Justice(see
figure3–1) and at age 56, Chief Minister of Lu. Neighbouring countries began to worry that Lu
would become too powerful and so they sent messengers with gifts and dancers to distract the
duke during a sacrifice holiday. When the duke abandoned his duties to receive messengers ,
Confucius resigned and left the country. Confucius spent the next five years wondering China
with his disciples, finding that he was rarely wanted at all royal courts and it did not take long
before nobles would begin plotting to drive him out or have him killed. He was arrested once and
jailed for five days and at 62 he was chased, along with his disciples, into the countryside by a
group of soldiers sent by a jealous nobles, until he was able to send a messenger to the King of a
nearby country, who sent his own soldiers to rescue them. Once again, Confucius was to be given
land, but was denied it by another high minister. He eventually returned to Lu a t age 67. Although
he was welcomed there and chose to stay, he was not offered public office again, nor did he want it.
Instead he spent the rest of his years teaching and

Essay On Confucius
Confucius (551–479BC) was a Chinese teacher, politician and philosopher; he has lived and worked
during the Chinese Spring and Autumn Period (770–481 BC). Confucius father Kong He was an
officer in the Lu military. Kong He died when Confucius was three years old and later his mother
Yan Zhengzai raised Confucius in poverty. Confucius is the most influential Chinese philosopher,
who's teaching had a great effect and spread out in the Chinese life and culture for well over two
thousand years, and has greatly influenced a substantial portion of the world's population.
Not much is known about Confucius early life, more is known about his life after his mother death
and that's where his political career starts. Confucius is from a middle class family and therefore he
was educated. Confucius started his career as a shepherd, clerk and bookkeeper. In his mid–20s,
Confucius became a government official in the State of Lu and a minister, a very high position for a
young man. Eventually, he rose to the position of Minister of Crime. When Confucius became a
Minister of Crime he wanted to return the authority of the state to the duke by taking apart the
fortifications of the city–strongholds belonging to the three families (Jisun, Ji, Mengsun and Meng,
and Shusun clans)...show more content...
He taught people how to encourage the value of modesty, planning, respect, moral behavior, honesty
and sincerity. Furthermore he said that adopting these values was the only way a human being could
lead a good life. Confucius was very concerned with the life of peoples, once he was in the court and
the stable was burned down when Confucius returned he asked" Has any man been hurt?" He did not
ask about the horse. This illustrates Confucius humanism.(http://www.humanistictexts.org/).
Confucius teachings were compiled in the Analects but only many years after his

Confucius Essay
As Confucius' philosophy still remains in the heart of many Chinese people, his images of the
greatest professional teacher of all time, the greatest philosopher in Chinese history and his influence
toward the future and the past 2000 years of Chinese civilization has made his thought the essence of
the Chinese culture. He always said the importance of teaching could change the future of the
civilization. And he also encouraged his students to explore the various things to learn, but be very
selective and careful. The purpose of Confucius' teaching was practical and designed to help each
person improve his character and conduct, and perhaps become prepared for an official position in
the court. According to one passage in the...show more content...
In the first chapter of Analects, Yu–Tzu gives the value of the rules of propriety.
"Among the functions of propriety the most valuable is that it establishes harmony. The Way
of the ancient kings from this harmony got its beauty. It is the guiding principle of all things great
and small. If things go amiss, and he who knows the harmony tries to achieve it without regulating it
by the rules of propriety, they will still go amiss."6 Confucius explains what can happen if
conduct is not guided by propriety. "Courtesy not bounded by the rules of propriety becomes
tiresome. Caution not bounded by the rules of propriety becomes timidity, daring becomes
insubordination, straightforwardness becomes rudeness."7 Nevertheless, Confucius did not
believe in over–wallowing in ceremonies, and the feelings should be proper to the situations.
"In ceremonies it is better to be sparing than extravagant. Funeral ceremonies should be
observed in deep sorrow rather than in fear."8 By the same mean, "When substance, one
becomes pedantic.
When substance and refinement are properly blended, then one is a gentleman."9 Confucius
knew that the ancient routes had been reduced in his time, and that such reduction was politic.
"Were anyone today to serve his prince according to the full rules of propriety he would be
thought a sycophant."10 Many Confucius' students were interest to become officials in
government

How Did Confucius Affect Society
Confucius was a prominent music teacher and a talented musician who could master in several
instruments. He had lived about 2,500 or so years ago and he was credited for setting the tone for
much Chinese traditional music for thousands of years. However, he also was the one of most
famous social philosopher in China. I think he might be not famous around the world, but he was in
China. Confucius would teach people morals and etiquettes with music. During the time of the Zhou
Dynasty, music had the crucial role of an important pillar of society. There is a book called
Analects, it has collected Confucius's instructions by his disciples. How music can be related to
society because music's rite can be related and affected the society. According

Confucius Essay
Confucius became famous as a sage, or wise man, of China during the Age of Philosophers. His
Five Classics have influenced the civilizations of most of eastern Asia. Confucius was born in the
state of Lu when local rulers refused to pay homage to the emperor of a failing Chou dynasty.
Confucius hated the disorder that ensued and looked back on a time when things like that were not
even thought of. He studied the teachings of the sage&#8217;s whose teachings and influences
had made China one whole nation at one time. He decided that he was the one who should restore
the faith and practices of the old emperors and wise men. Since Confucius was not able to gain an
official position in China, he spent most of his life teaching a core...show more content...
During the Zhou dynasty this book was used as an oracle to predict the outcome of a certain
situation. It contains 64 designs, or hexagrams, which represent a stage in the universal cycle. This
also brought about the idea of the universe having a cycle. Since there are only 64 hexagrams, the
universe must start over at the end of the cycle when it reaches the end. This is also where the book
gets its name. These cycles became an integral part of Chinese culture. The idea was applied to their
concepts of time, life, and people. The dynastic rulers moved in a cycle that began with the
mythologically good first ruler and ended with the degenerate final ruler. Life followed a cycle
from birth to a peak and a final descent into death. This also led to the idea and awareness that all
things in the universe are related. Since there are only 64 states of being, all things must share
these states and be related to each other.2 The second book is the Shu Jing, which is translated as
The Book of Documents. The Shu Jing is a collection of documents that allegedly go back to the
Shang dynasty, the first historical dynasty of China. This can be disputed, but that is not the most
important fact about the book. The reason Shu Jing is important is that it is the first work of history
and political science in the history of China. It shows history taking place due to the process of
changes. It treats history as a tool with which mankind can reflect on past events

Confucianism Essay
Confucianism
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. With the
idea that people should live in harmony both with each other and with nature. To achieve this,
Confucius created a system of human relationships and good government. Government to Confucius
was the highest profession. He believed that if one had a good government...show more content...
Confucius believe in ancestor devotion. The Ancestor's names are usually kept in shrines. The duty
of the father was to make sacrifices and to report any family concerns to these shrines.
Confucius emphasized five virtues, which are the the ideals of Confucianism. The
Confucian virtues are something that should reflect sincerity and inner spirit. The most important
one was ren which means "humanity" he thought that should be the ideal for everyone to follow.
Then came up with yi, "honesty" zhi, "knowledge" xin faithfulness and li; correct behavior.
Confucinism also refers to basic texts which are called the five classics. The book of poetry which
contains the oldest of Chinese poetry that describe common experiences such as love,work, and war.
The book of rites, consists of three separate ritual texts. That contains descriptions of how one must
behave when attending events, such as weddings, funerals, banquets and sacrifices. The book of
history includes decrees, speeches, advice from counselors, and reports on similar government
affairs. The
Spring and Autumn annals is a brief chronicle of events in Confucius home state. The book of
change is a book that consists of divination, or helps the follower to foretell future events and
understand the existence of humans and natural happenings.
The Chinese always believed that the universe has always been influenced by two opposing forces
the Yin and the

Confucius and Confucianism Essay
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
Confucius had, however, never gotten a chance to put his theories to a public test until he was
appointed magistrate of Chung–tu, at the age of 52. The very next year he became the minister of
crime of
the state of Lu. His control was successful, reforms were introduced, justice was fairly distributed,
and
crime was lowered greatly. Lu become very powerful. Many other people were jealous and envied
all the
great changes Confucius had been able to make in such a short time. A highranking ruler of a
neighboring
state made sure that Confucius got dismissed. Confucius left his office in 496 BC, traveling about and
teaching, helplessly hoping that some other noble would allow him to undertake measures of reform.
In 484
BC, after a failed search for an ideal ruler, he returned for the last time to Lu. Confucius was then
abandoned from his province and he wandered about China for 13 years.
When Confucius was 69 years old, her returned to his home state, and he died there 3 years after

settling
in Lu – 479 BC.
Yet, when the philosopher died, many people honored all of Confucius' work by building temples
in every city in China to honor Confucius. Since Confucius' teachings and philosophy was so
advanced, it
was the education for China for 2,000 years. Confucius had few simple morals, to honor one?s
parents and
ancestors, to do what is right rather than what is of

Confucius Paper
According to tradition, Confucius was born in the state of Lu (present–day Shandong Province) of
the noble K'ung clan. His original name was K'ung Ch'iu. His father, commander of a district in
Lu, died three years after Confucius was born, leaving the family in poverty, but Confucius
nevertheless received a fine education. He was married at the age of 19 and had one son and two
daughters. During the four years immediately after his marriage, poverty compelled him to
become a sevant for the chief of the district in which he lived. His mother died in 527 BC, and
after a period of mourning he began his career as a teacher, usually traveling about and instructing
the small body of disciples that had gathered around him. His fame as a man of...show more content...
He spent the remaining years of his life in retirement, writing commentaries on the classics. He died
in Lu and was buried in a tomb at Ch'Гј–fu, Shandong.
Confucius did not put into writing the principles of his philosophy. These were handed down only
through his disciples. The Lun YГј (Analects), a work compiled by some of his disciples, is
considered the most reliable source of information about his life and teachings. One of the historical
works that he is said to have compiled and edited, the Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn Annals), is an
annalistic account of Chinese history in the state of Lu from 722 to 481 BC. In learning he wished
to be known as a transmitter rather than as a creator, and he therefore revived the study of the
ancient books. His own teachings, together with those of his main disciples, are found in the Shih
Shu (Four Books) of Confucian literature, which became the textbooks of later Chinese generations.
Confucius was greatly known during his lifetime and in succeeding ages. Although he himself had
little belief in the supernatural, he has been revered almost as a spiritual being by millions.
The entire teaching of Confucius was practical and ethical, rather than religious. He claimed to be a
restorer of ancient morality and held that proper outward acts based on the five virtues of kindness,
uprightness, decorum, wisdom, and faithfulness constitute the whole of

Essay about The Life and Teachings of Confucius
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who lived and taught in a period when the unified Chou
kingdom had split into a number of feudal states. The subjects that will be talked about is: The
philosopher himself, the Analects and what they represent, and lastly the teachings and what a single
interpretation of them could be, and what further questions could be asked for further interpretation.
Confucianism is the study of the social philosophy through the secular teachings that Confucius
taught, what could we learn through analyzing his teachings today?
Confucius, more properly known as K'ung Ch'iu who was born in 551 B.C., in Tsou, a small town
in Lu, which is in Eastern China. His father, Shu–Liang H^e, a former magistrate and warrior of
Changing focus to the Analects, or L'un Yu as they are also called, are considered a record of the
words and acts of Confucius and his disciples, as well as their discussions. It is one of the only
pieces that can honestly be attributed with Confucius. There is a change that even though done in
memory of his teachings, it was more than likely it was not written down until long after his death.
The Analect is in the form of Twenty books or chapters, of which most scholars feel that only fifteen
or so are authentically Confucian. A text on Confucius says: "Instead of writing a treatise explaining
his thoughts, the Confucius of Analects responds to people and situations. The words are never
thought of as the last and adequate statement of doctrine but as the circumstantial evidence of deeper
wisdom." (The Norton Anthology of World Literature pg.812) A basic interpretation would be that
the Analect could be perceived as a living and constantly changing text, which adapts to the present.
It was written to put into words the thought of a man who pondered so deeply that his knowledge
can still even apply yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
The preceding brings me to the point of interpretation of the Analects, in Book VIII, it states; " Have
the firm faith to devote yourself to learning, and abide to

In life, we face various kinds of relationships that involve parents, friends, colleagues, and
companions among other individuals as well. In The Analects of Confucius, Confucius discussed
different types of relationships and outlined ways in which people could deal with them. Confucius
talked about filial piety, authoritative conduct, ritual, trust etc. The most impressive theory to me
was about governance and made me reflect upon myself as far as leadership is concerned. It is worth
noting that there are two types of leaders depending on their individual styles. The first kind of
leaders personally takes part in actively implementing his orders. The second type of leader on the
other hand delegates duties to other people without setting an example. When ruling a country, a
state and even a family, a leader should be the North Star, which directs others. InConfucianism, a
virtuous leader does not need to do anything since other people who respect the leader will carry out
the necessary duties for him. Confucius asserts that when a leader adheres by the rituals, everything
will unfold well. I run a small business with my friends in Toronto. Most of the employees in my
store were born in 1990s and come from families with single children. Most of them are spoiled and
have never worked before. They experience tremendous challenges when it comes to handling
relationships with their colleagues and customers. At first, I did everything by myself in front of
them so as to set

Confucius-Summary Essay
Confucius–Summary
Master Kung, also known as Kung Fu–tzu is known to be the Confucius of the west. He is one of
the most well known philosophers in Chinese history. Confucianism has evolved so much over the
years that no one knows the original thoughts of the master. Master Kung established a tradition of
cultural values. Confucius wanted to attain a position in government so he could influence the ruler,
thus helping him make wiser decisions. He was appointed to a governmental position in Lu but it
was brief. So he traveled the neighboring states hoping to attain another position, and he did but he
often spoke his mind when he shouldn't have and was forced to leave again. When he returned home
he realized...show more content...
It has been regarded as providing an intimate portrait of Confucius and has been read as a
biographical sketch. By the 4th century BCE, Confucius was recognized as a unique figure, a sage
who was ignored but should have been recognized and become a king.
Confucius Social Philosophy
While Confucius believes that people live their lives within parameters firmly established by
Heaven–which, often, for him means both a purposeful Supreme Being as well as 'nature' and its
fixed cycles and patterns–he argues that men are responsible for their actions and especially for
their treatment of others. We can do little or nothing to alter our fated span of existence but we
determine what we accomplish and what we are remembered for. Confucius represented his
teachings as lessons transmitted from antiquity. He claimed that he was "a transmitter and not a
maker" and that all he did reflected his "reliance on and love for the ancients." Certainly his claim
that there were antique precedents for his ideology had a tremendous influence on subsequent
thinkers many of whom imitated these gestures. But we should not regard the contents of the
Analects as consisting of old ideas. Much of what Confucius taught appears to have been original
to him and to have represented a radical departure from the ideas and practices of his day. Confucius
also claimed that he enjoyed a special

Confucius Essay

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