Confucianism
Confucius (kongzi in Chinese) was born around 551 B.C. in
the area of modern day Shandong Province. He died in 479
B.C. He came from a poor background and managed to hold
several government posts, although minor. At the age of 50
he decided to travel from state to state offering advice to
rulers on how they could improve their systems of
governing. He continued to do this for thirteen years until
he realised that he would never have an opportunity to put
his ideas into practice. For the remaining five years of
his life he returned to his own state, where he taught and
edited literature.
Confucianism became popular after Confucius’ death. His
ideas diffused throughout every level of society. It became
standard that to hold a position in government an
understanding of Confucius’ ideas was essential. This
remained the case until the end of the Qing dynasty in
1911.
Confucianism became a state religion during the Han
dynasty. However, it was not until the Tang dynasty that
temples and shrines were built to Confucius. During the
Song dynasty the works of Confucius, known as The Analects,
became the foundation of all education.
Confucianism became popular because Confucius taught that
people
should
live
together
peacefully
and
respect
humanity. The way to achieve this was by following
traditions and rituals from the past, as this had
maintained social order and peace. The traditions focused
around virtues such as knowing how to behave in a given
situation, courtesy, selflessness, diligence, obedience and
filial piety amongst others. These traditions would be
reinforced in every social setting – at school, home,
temples, theatres, during festivals, in proverbs and folk
stories. The emperor was held in the highest regard as he
was the embodiment of virtue and wisdom for the entire
country. In a similar vein the elderly were respected for
their wisdom gained through their life.
Confucianism reinforced the existing ideal that the family
unit was the base unit of society. Filial piety was the key
to maintaining a strong family unit. Linked to this was the
practice of ancestor worship, thus extending the family
unit to include those from the past. To embarrass and let
down your family was and still is the greatest shame for
Chinese families.
Ancient Civilizations –
Page 1 of 2
www.earlyimperialchina.co.uk
Following Confucianism meant that there was no rigid legal
code because it was believed that in order to sort a
problem negotiation had to be used as this demonstrated a
person’s virtue. If legal action had to be used then the
people involved were not good examples of Confucian ideals.
As a result the need to keep up appearances of a good
Confucian believer meant that those in power ruled by
oppression and thus essentially disregarded Confucianism.
Ancient Civilizations –
Page 2 of 2
www.earlyimperialchina.co.uk