Confusius Say

Since we just discussed Confusius and Confusianism in class I thought that it would be a good subject for this blog. Confusius was born in China, in the state of Lu, in 551BCE to an aristocratic family. His actual name was K'ung Futzu, which means Master K'ung. Confusius is the latin pronunciation of K'ung Futzu which was adopted originally in Europe. One of the Confusius' main ambitions throughout his life was to become a major government official. So he traveled throughout China searching for an opporunity. This did not ever happen though. He was never able to get past being a minor official in his home state of Lu. He instead returned to his home state and continued teaching and studying. It was through these teachings that his students were able to collect his discussions and form them into the Analects, which are the basis for Confusianism.



Confusianism is a religion based on the thoughts and ideas of Confusius. He believed in three main principles. The first principle is Ren. It is the source of all the virtues that Confusius believed that people should express. These virtues included kindeness, empathy, charity and respectfullness. The second principle was Li. This term means propriety. Confusius believed that some people were superior, while others were inferior, and people should know there place in society. The third principle was Xiao, which is the term for filial piaty. Confusius believed that it was important to respect elders. Confusius also had a optomistic view of human nature and this view has become a key characteristic of Confusianism. Although it may not have been the intention of Confusius, his teachings, which are viewed today through the Analects written by his students, have become one of the most well known religions/phylosphies in the world today.

http://www.religionfacts.com/a-z-religion-index/confucianism.htm

Strayer, Robert W. Ways of the World. Boston : Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2009. Print.