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In a world of chaos and confusion, where society’s foundations seem to be crumbling, it’s easy to feel lost and disconnected. But over 2,500 years ago, a man emerged from the dust of ancient China with a vision for a better world. His name was Confucius, and his teachings continue to shape and guide the lives of millions today.
But who was Confucius and why was he important? Confucius was an influential Chinese philosopher, an educator, and a social reformer, who left behind a legacy that has stood the test of time. And his importance and legacy are still relevant in the modern world.
The first in a two-part series on Confucianism, this article explores the life and teachings of Confucius. In it we discover the enduring relevance of his message of harmony and virtue in a world that desperately needs it.
The second article is called What are the Most Important and Revealing Confucian Beliefs. There, we go deeper into Confucius’ primary teachings.
The Early Life and Career of Confucius
Confucius was born in 551 BC in the Chinese state of Lu, in a town named Qufu, during the Zhao dynasty. His given name was Kǒng Qiū or K’ung Fu-tzu. He was born in a politically turbulent time and endured many hardships and losses throughout his life. A brilliant thinker, Confucius dedicated his life to the service of others, both in his roles in government, and as a philosophical teacher.
Confucius’s Family
Confucious was family-oriented and believed that strong families were the backbone of society. He grew up in a relatively poor household, and his mother raised him on her own after his father died when Confucius was three. Twenty years later, his mother passed away.
By then, Confucius, who married at nineteen, had children of his own – first a son, and then two daughters. Sadly one of his daughters reportedly passed away while she was an infant.
Confucious’s Education
Early on In his education, Confucius was said to be a bright, diligent student who had a special love of music and history. He studied the Six Arts: Rites, music, archery, equestrianism, calligraphy, and mathematics. But little is known of his formal higher education.
Confucious’s Career in Government
Confucius worked in government for much of his life, where he first served as an assistant to the governor of Lu. After a few years he was promoted to magistrate of Zhongdu, a town in Lu. And in 501 BCE, Confucius was appointed Minister of Crime.
It is said that he left his role in government because he was unhappy with the political climate and frustrated with the governor of Lu.
Confucius time in government was spent during great political turbulence in China’s history. And he saw how political decentralisation and military conflict adversely affected the daily life of ordinary Chinese citizens. The insight he gained from his role in government was instrumental in shaping his views and later teachings.
Confucius witnessed first-hand the incompetence of many of those in power. And his understanding of the consequences of living in a politically turbulent time and place is evident throughout his teachings. Because of this Confucius’ influence grew, as did his importance to society.
What is Confucianism?
Confucius emphasised the need for social order and harmony, respect for authority, and the cultivation of virtue. So, Confucianism is the philosophical tradition that stemmed from his teachings, and it has had a profound impact on China ever since.
Social Order and Harmony
In Confucianism, all relationships have hierarchies and social orders that, when followed by each party in the relationship, foster order and harmony. According to Confucious, this structure within a household, is mirrored in the political context. A society that is ordered and harmonious is one in which people act with respect, empathy, and compassion.
Respect for Authority
Confucious emphasised the importance of roles and hierarchy. This extended to politics, as well as intimate social settings, as in the family. He saw the political sphere as an extension of the family unit.
Everyone in the family has a role within the hierarchy, and Confucius taught that harmony prevails when everyone adheres to these roles. Parents and grandparents hold authority roles within their family structure. Sons and daughters show respect for the authority of their parents and grandparents, well into adulthood.
This concept is referred to as filial piety which, Confucianism teaches, extends to the political realm, where rulers are respected so that harmony may be maintained.
Ceremony and Tradition
Confucius taught that ceremony and tradition are central to a harmonious life. Ceremonies are a way of upholding and celebrating tradition, and holding conscious and genuine respect for authority, elders, and ancestors. It is also a way of practicing and observing traditional etiquette. Ceremony and tradition help us to cultivate virtue, maintain order, and foster harmony.
The Cultivation of Virtue and Education
While Confucius taught the importance of respect for authority, this did not mean authority figures were free to rule in any way they pleased. He believed authority figures – political rulers and parents alike – must act with virtue. They must be worthy of respect and should not require force to inspire citizens to follow them. They should be educated and equipped for their roles in society.
Only when authority figures rule with virtue, and when citizens respect those in higher hierarchical roles, can society be stable and harmonious. And again, this idea is equally applied to the family unit as in the political context.
Confucious held that education was the most instrumental ingredient in cultivating virtue, and he emphasised the importance of education for social harmony. The emphasis on education and virtue extended far beyond the political context. Confucious felt it was critical that all members of society were educated and should strive to be virtuous.
He also emphasised the importance of starting education at a young age, and that education was a means to foster personal growth.
The Impact of Confucianism on the Political and Social Structure of Ancient China
Confucius’ teachings were relevant, applicable, and came at a time when society needed them. They made an impact during his lifetime, and they have made an impact since his death.
Confucious’ Impact on the Political Structure in Ancient China
Confucious lived a life of service. From what we know about his teachings and his actions, he cared deeply about the well-being of the individuals in his community and his country. And it is likely to be the reason he worked in government.
But after he gained insight into the political system he became disillusioned and sought to impact change through his teachings.
One of the ways Confucius impacted the political and social structure of ancient China was through his disciples. Many became prevalent and powerful political figures, and his teachings were ingrained and interwoven with how they conducted their politics. Thus, greater focus was placed on the ethical conduct of leaders, and on the appointment of leaders with knowledge who were fit for the role.
Confucious’ Impact on Culture, Education, and Society in Ancient China
Aspects of Confucianism was taught in schools, and the Confucian emphasis on education pervaded the education system in ancient China. The ripples of this can be seen to this day.
Confucianism encouraged Chinese citizens to consider self-education, and growth. And it supported individuals who built harmonious relationships and empathised with and showed compassion for their loved ones.
Respect for elders became an integral part of society, and ancestor worship became common practice.
Confucius’ Legacy
Confucius’ importance shaped Chinese culture in undeniable and profound ways. Through his teachings, respect for authority became a staple in China’s political structure. And it equally became a staple in China’s societal and cultural structure. Confucius’ legacy extends beyond China, primarily in other Asian countries – but also worldwide.
Respect for elders and authority figures remains fundamental to Chinese culture in both political and societal contexts. Age and hierarchical roles are heavily relied upon in enacting social customs, and are reflected in many common practices seen in China and its neighbouring countries today.
Confucius’ influence on Chinese Thinkers and Philosophers
The most immediate and direct influence of Confucious’ teachings was on his disciples. While Confucious did not leave us any written works to draw wisdom from, his teachings were distilled by his students in a book called The Analects.
The Analects became compulsive reading for many thinkers, and Confucianism has been a popular philosophical tradition for over two thousand years. Some of the most prolific thinkers included Mencius, Dong Zhonghu, and Wang Fu.
Neo-Confucianism
Around 950 CE, Confucianism began to make a more formal return as neo-Confucianism. This reimagining of Confucianism attempted to maintain the central aspects of Confucious’ teachings, while incorporating Buddhism and Taoism. The focus on social harmony and order remained, as did virtue and education, while additional emphasis was placed on harmony within nature and the universe.
Confucius’ Impact on Contemporary Chinese Culture, Society, and Politics
Confucianism has left a lasting impact on the culture in China and its neighbouring countries. There are many aspects of society in China that can be traced back to Confucious’ teachings.
One example is the respect and reverence for elders that is still observed. Households often consist of four generations – children, parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Chinese society continues to encourage children to respect the wishes of their parents and elders, even into adulthood. It is also expected that children will care for their parents and grandparents as they age.
The Confucian emphasis on education continues to be central to Chinese culture, and excerpts from The Analects remain a part of Chinese curriculum.
Confucianism has also had a profound impact on the political sphere in China. One primary example of this is in the emphasis on social and political harmony and order. The demand for respect of authority remains a central tenet of the Chinese political landscape.
I suspect, if we could ask him, Confucius may not be eager to learn about the current political state of China. And it is probable he would disagree with the way his teachings have been interpreted.
Recommended Videos
It is well-worth watching this video which summarises Confucious’s life and philosophy – the School of Life episode on Confucious.
And if you want to go deeper – Confucious: The Sage Who Shaped the East, created by Timeline, is an inspiring and effective documentary.
Read Part Two
Then read the second article in this short series – What are the Most Important and Revealing Confucian Beliefs – where, we go deeper into Confucius’ primary teachings.
Final Thoughts
‘It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.’
Confucius
The statement encapsulates the enduring legacy of this ancient Chinese philosopher. His teachings may have originated in a different time and place, but they continue to resonate today.
It is hard to overstate Confucius’ importance. his message of social harmony, respect for authority, and the cultivation of virtue, is still relevant today. His teachings continue to shape Chinese culture and society, and they have had a profound impact on the development of human civilisation.
There is so much we can learn when we ask the question: Who was Confucius? Confucius’ legacy is a reminder that the quest for a better world never truly ends, but with his guidance, we can strive to make progress, one step at a time.
FAQs
Q: Who was Confucius and why was Confucius important?
A: Confucius was an influential Chinese philosopher and educator who lived in ancient China. He is best known for his teachings on social order and harmony, respect for authority, and the cultivation of virtue, which form the basis of Confucianism.
Q: What were Confucius’ key principles?
A: Confucius’ key principles include the importance of social order and harmony, respect for authority, and the cultivation of virtue. He believed that these principles were essential for creating a just and harmonious society.
Q: How did Confucius’ teachings influence ancient Chinese society?
A: Confucius’ teachings had a profound impact on the political and social structure of ancient China. His philosophy became deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and was used as a basis for the education and governance of the country.
Q: What is Confucius’ legacy?
A: Confucius’ legacy is the enduring impact of his teachings on Chinese culture and society, and his principles continue to shape them. His teachings have also had a profound impact on the development of human civilisation.
Q: What is neo-Confucianism?
A: Neo-Confucianism is an extension of Confucianism that began to gain popularity during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE). This Confucian tradition retains the central aspects of Confucius’ teachings, while incorporating Buddhist and Taoist teachings. The result is a greater emphasis being placed on personal harmony with nature and the universe.
Q: How is Confucian teaching relevant today?
A: Confucian teachings are still relevant today because they promote values such as social harmony, respect for authority, and the cultivation of virtue, which are important for creating a just and harmonious society. Additionally, his teachings continue to shape Chinese culture and society and influence other cultures, and his legacy is still studied and respected in many parts of the world.