[Chapter 8] Confucianism

Confucianism is a major philosophical and religious tradition that was created during the Zhou dynasty. Chinese natives during this time worshipped Confucianism. The man who started this religion was Confucius. Confucius was a very educated individual considering he had such a rough upbringing. After Confucius earned his education, he became a famous teacher who traveled from place to place sharing his knowledge. After Confucius died, his sayings and teachings lived on most notably in a book called The Analects. Confucius believed that individuals should lead a honorable life and live up to high values. He believed that if people were righteous and wholesome then the family would live a good life. If everyone lived their lives according to this, then the entire country would share the same values and live life to the fullest.

In Confucian teachings there are four qualities: li, jen, te and wen. Li teaches that people should be civil, have positive attitudes, and respect for authority. Jen teaches that people should have exceptional relationships with others. The exceptional relationships that Jen mentions includes courtesy, and charity. If a person has both jen and li, Confucian ideal believes this person is a superior human being. Another quality of Confucianism is te. Te involves a person`s character. Te includes influencing others, inspiring respect, and being able to oppress enemies. The last Confucian teaching is wen which deals with art. Confucius thought that art was the key to education and harmony. Music, poetry, art, and other activities based on culture are part of wen. Confucianism is meant to help people be an outstanding person to improve quality of life. The teachings of Confucius were brilliant. Confucius taught people to live a life full of purity which made the lifestyle for these people very harmonious.