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Confucius (K'ung Fu-tzu), born in the state of
Lu (northern China), lived from 551 to 479 B.C. He
was a brilliant teacher, viewing education not
merely as the accumulation of knowledge but as a
means of self-transformation. His legacy was a
system of thought emphasizing education, proper
behavior, and loyalty. His effect on Chinese
culture was immense.
The teachings of Confucius are contained in the
Analects, a collection of his sayings as
remembered by his students. They were further
developed by philosophers such as Mencius (Meng
Tse, fl. 400 B.C.). Confucianism is little
concerned with metaphysical discussion of religion
or with spiritual attainments. It instead
emphasizes moral conduct and right relationships
in the human sphere.
Cultivation of virtue is a central tenet of
Confucianism. Two important virtues are jen, a
benevolent and humanitarian attitude, and li,
maintaining proper relationships and rituals that
enhance the life of the individual, the family,
and the state. The “five relations,” between king
and subject, father and son, man and wife, older
and younger brother, and friend and friend, are of
utmost importance. These relationships are
reinforced by participation in rituals, including
the formal procedures of court life and religious
rituals such as ancestor worship.
Confucius revolutionized educational thought in
China. He believed that learning was not to be
focused only on attaining the skills for a
particular profession, but for growth in moral
judgment and self-realization. Confucius's
standards for the proper conduct of government
shaped the statecraft of China for centuries.
Hundreds of temples in honor of Confucius testify
to his stature as sage and teacher.
Confucianism was far less dominant in 20th-century
China, at least on an official level. The state
cult of Confucius was ended in 1911. Still,
Confucian traditions and moral standards are part
of the cultural essence of China and other East
Asian countries. |
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