Folk beliefs, Confucianism, and Taoism led to classical Chinese characteristics. In early times, Chinese performed rituals to soothe the nature Gods. Ancestors were worshipped for the communication with the Gods. These beliefs strengthened the family core. Confucianism is a belief that is based on more philosophical than religious ideas. Confucian concerns are ethical and considered the family the basic unit of society. Elders were respected, and men were made, not born. These beliefs led to the mandate of Heaven which said “a good ruler was thought to possess a divine right to govern,” and “If a ruler governed badly or was immoral, the people could rise up in revolt.” This belief of a higher power knowing who should rule became an institution for electing leaders. Military concerns were considered a symptom of the breakdown of Confucian order which made the Chinese approach to foreign policy China-centered and tributary. At the center of their foreign affairs was China, and the surrounding states gave tribute and in return given gifts according to their performance. Taoism influenced the science, technology, and arts of China. Taoism and Confucianism both believe that the natural world and human world disrupt each other. For example an unwise ruler could lead to a flood. The Tao was a set of values that made a person have peace within the natural world. These Taoist invented block printing, experimented with metals and chemicals, designed canals and ships, and invented the compass. Poetry was a large part of this Chinese art culture. Most of these poems were centered around nature where a small, insignificant figure was cast in a large
Folk beliefs, Confucianism, and Taoism led to classical Chinese characteristics. In early times, Chinese performed rituals to soothe the nature Gods. Ancestors were worshipped for the communication with the Gods. These beliefs strengthened the family core. Confucianism is a belief that is based on more philosophical than religious ideas. Confucian concerns are ethical and considered the family the basic unit of society. Elders were respected, and men were made, not born. These beliefs led to the mandate of Heaven which said “a good ruler was thought to possess a divine right to govern,” and “If a ruler governed badly or was immoral, the people could rise up in revolt.” This belief of a higher power knowing who should rule became an institution for electing leaders. Military concerns were considered a symptom of the breakdown of Confucian order which made the Chinese approach to foreign policy China-centered and tributary. At the center of their foreign affairs was China, and the surrounding states gave tribute and in return given gifts according to their performance. Taoism influenced the science, technology, and arts of China. Taoism and Confucianism both believe that the natural world and human world disrupt each other. For example an unwise ruler could lead to a flood. The Tao was a set of values that made a person have peace within the natural world. These Taoist invented block printing, experimented with metals and chemicals, designed canals and ships, and invented the compass. Poetry was a large part of this Chinese art culture. Most of these poems were centered around nature where a small, insignificant figure was cast in a large