How Did Confucius Contribute To Society

Improved Essays
The cultures seen in the world today are impacted by a variety of individuals. Among these individuals in Confucius; Confucius is a Chinese educator and philosopher who is respected and worshipped by many people. His influence among people still pertains to today’s society; his famous sayings are practiced daily. Confucius’ life is worth knowing due to his contributions to today’s philosophies and culture.
Confucius was born circa 551 before the common era as Kong Qui in the state of Lu in China. His family was middle class; however, his family encountered financial struggles which led to poverty. Confucius lost his father at a young age, so he was raised by his mother in indigence. As he became older, he acquired a passion for learning and began to grasp ancient texts; in addition, Confucius mastered the art of arithmetic, music, archery, calligraphy, charioteering, and rituals. As a result
…show more content…
Often, people respect their relationships with people; individuals are impacted by Confucius’ idea of the importance of relationship between “ parents and children; husbands and wives; older and younger siblings; older and younger friends; and rulers and subjects” (Johnson). The result of these ideas lead to the the prosperity of relationships among different individuals. In addition, Confucius influenced the “idea of a gentleman” having the “virtues of righteousness, propriety, integrity, and filial piety” (“Confucianism”). The distinguished Chinese philosopher greatly affects the ethical standards seen in modern day society. Confucius was a prominent teacher, and his belief of the greatness of education led to the idea of the availability of education to everyone. Today, many students from different families, ranging from affluent to impecunious families, are able to enjoy the liberty of receiving education (“Confucius”). Confucius’ influence transformed schools from being discriminant among the

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    The Confucian list of virtues stressed respect for one 's social superiors--including fathers and husbands as leaders of the family. The cause of this social continuity was religious, for Confucian values were heavily infused with Chinese culture and tradition, so as Confucianism remained an widely practiced religion during this period, so did the Confucian principles that heavily influenced society (AN). More broadly, the cause of this social continuity was political, despite foreign occupancy, which posed a threat to social structure in many civilizations, the Mongols allowed Confucianism, amongst other religions, to be practiced freely so these values regarding family were upheld…

    • 1050 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Rome And China Dbq Essay

    • 400 Words
    • 2 Pages

    As pointed out in the Classic of Filial Piety, a Chinese work written by Xiao Jing, “Our bodies-to every hair and bit of skin-are received by us from our parents, and we must not presume to injure or wound them” (Doc 2). This conversation between Confucius and his disciple implants virtuous values that followers would teach to their children, “this is the beginning of filial piety” (Doc 2). Written to teach society, the Classic of Filial Piety educates all classes on how to follow Confucianism and how to honor their past. At the time, China had recently been through a harsh phase of legalism, so Confucianism provided a virtuous, beneficial light for the Chinese people.…

    • 400 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Confucius’ mis-representation of the concept of chivalry portrays his lack of ethical understanding of the society around him. Certainly, Confucius’ and Lao Tzu’s ideologies have guided humanity’s roadmap since ancient history. Their long-lasting works have allowed people all over the world find the one truth that encompasses us all. The difference that promotes Lao Tzu’s teachings over Confucius, however, is the classification of people below or above us, the ultimate flaw in ethical…

    • 1076 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The Social Hierarchy of Inborn Traits: An Analysis of Cultivation of the Self and Innate Goodness of Human beings in Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi This comparison analysis will define the social hierarchy of the cultivation of the self and the innate goodness of human beings as a point of conjecture in the writings of Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. The writings of Confucius define the social hierarchy of evil as an inborn trait, which must continually be cultivated by the wisest and strongest of people. In contrast to this, Mencius feels that human beings are innately good, but they must also continue to follow the living a good life through wisdom and self-development. In a similar way, Xunzi was not unlike Confucius in believing in the innate evil in humankind, yet he followed the similar process of…

    • 1185 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Confucianism Dbq

    • 1017 Words
    • 5 Pages

    This quote exhibits the importance of reverence and loyalty towards elders and brothers within Confucianism. The ideal ruler according to Confucianism should show respect towards his peers and should also be revered by citizens living in the society. If there is mutual veneration and respect between a ruler and citizens, society is able to operate in a cohesive manner. Furthermore, leaders should set a good example by leading with virtue.…

    • 1017 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Confucius believed that there were five key relationships, each with a superior and inferior. This differed form Hinduism's caste system because in document seven, it explains how each caste was superior than the next, "The Brahmins, The Kshatriyas, The Vaisvas, The Sudras, and the other sub-castes". Confucius was seen as "respectful in his serving of his superiors and kind in governing the people" (Document 4). He followed his own teachings that affected how a son treated the father and vice versa. Confucianism also wanted an orderly society that was full of happiness like Hinduism.…

    • 827 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Thesis: Confucius as one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history and his teaching of Confucianism have being the mainstream thinking of Chinese traditional culture for thousands of years. Most importantly, Confucius’s teachings have a profound influence on the Chinese political system. This statement, with supporting evidence that will be presented in this essay will show that Confucius’ teaching of Confucianism has being used in the Chinese government for thousands of years and it still affects the Chinese political system to this day. Short overview for the paper:…

    • 179 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The founder of this social and political philosophy was Confucius, who was born to a rich family in Northern China and became a teacher and political advisor His thoughts and saying were recorded in the book, Analects. Confucianism focuses on five fundamental relationships; ruler to subject, parent to child, husband and wife, older to younger siblings, and friend and friend. They believe when all people follow the right structure and roles society is orderly and predictable. Some of the key concepts of Confucianism were ren, humanity, kindness, and benevolence, Li, propriety, courtesy, and deference to elders, and xiao, filial piety. It was believed that everyone who fulfilled these roles of ren, li and xiao would become excellent administrators.…

    • 1619 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Confucius Andrew Haywood Confucius was a early chinese philosopher, editor, and politician. Following the victory of han over chu after the collapse of the Qin dynasty, Confucius thoughts received official sanction and were developed into a system known as confucianism. Confucius emphasized morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity. Confucius was from the zhou dynasty. Confucius was also the creator of confucianism.…

    • 231 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Confucianism has different ideas about everyday life and society importance. One of its significant concepts is to adhere to accepted norms and principles. People’s relationships have to follow a number of responsibilities and duties. Each person should understand and feel comfortable in his/her own role. People, who act correctly, can improve and reorganize the society.…

    • 706 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Zhuangzi Argument Analysis

    • 1117 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The writings of Zhuangzi illustrate the primary Daoist principles and traditions through fantastical means - talking animals, moving skulls, fish that are many thousands of miles wide… and other times the text is clear, almost overly so, in describing the foundations of Daoism and Zhuangzi’s thoughts. A particularly significant part of Watson’s translation is the role of Confucius. A historically and religiously significant person from Chinese history, it is no surprise that he appears over and over in Zhuangzi. Throughout the ambiguous and often confusing text, Confucius’ role and his religious and philosophical stances are not always clear to the reader. At times Confucius is written as a very wise man, reiterating and discussing Daoist principles…

    • 1117 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Sima Qian A Confucian

    • 1196 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Confucius says, “If a person acts with reverence, he will not be insulted. If he is generous, he will win over the people. If he is truthful, he will be trusted by people. If he is diligent, he will have great achievements. If he is kind, he will be able to influence others.”…

    • 1196 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    He taught moral conduct and suggested the idea of what people would do and what is right to do. Confucius wanted his disciples to improve their human nature and characters through moral conduct. Among the disciples who succeeded to the philosophy of Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi are most famous and their theories have been studied until now because they argued the perfectly opposite philosophy and developed Confucianism. Mencius believed that people are born to be good and human nature is kind. His idea which is based on Confucius’ thoughts contains values that people should pursue and positive side of human nature.…

    • 1847 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Confucius had a goal to create gentleman to carry themselves more with grace, respect integrity in all things. He had a dislike for which he called “petty men”, he did not care for men whose clever talk and pretentious manner would overrule the audience. He believes that your actions and behavior do not correspond to characteristics that come with someone. He had a saying “Ruler do not rule and subjects do not serve,” meaning any words or titles meant nothing. The moral education he believed was found in a book which had songs and beautiful poems.…

    • 1105 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Confucian culture, with its deep cultural connotation, has influenced generations of Chinese people. The Chinese people, under the influence of Confucian culture, know manners…

    • 912 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays