Confucius

Ryan Rose
2/14/16

To understand Confucius, you need to understand the times he lived in and his history.
Born virtually into poverty, Confucius had a unique upbringing. Unlike other scholars at the
time, he was not born into nobility or any other higher social status. His father passed at an early
age. His mother made a crucial decision to give her son a proper education.1 He was raised
learning of the greats and their teachings. From Zhou and Shang,2 through many ancient texts,
and all of the ideals thought for a society to flourish. Along with his education, He was born
during a period of Chinas darkest times.3 Being a young thinker, it could be speculated this left
an impression on him well into his life. Confucius involvement in politics was not belayed. He
got involved with the local government and began taking action as a young adult.4 This was only
the beginning of his insight and wisdom of society. Slowly involving himself and observing the
corruption within the system he lived in. It was through this involvement and observation he
began his journey into social reform and a humanistic philosophy.
Though Confucius is considered a great philosopher, and his teachings would ultimately
change China (and the world), he did not always hold this influence. It took hundreds of years
for the Confucius way to have an impact.5 Confucius met immediate opposition. During times of
chaos and dissatisfaction gives birth to change and growth. As a result of Chinas dark times,
many ideas of reform came to fruition. Legalism soon became the guide and power of Chinese
life.6 To keep social order, strict law and punishment were implemented. This was believed to
1 John M. Koller, Asian Philosphies 6th ed (USA, Pearson Education, Inc. 2012) 196.
2 ibid. 197.
3 ibid.
4 ibid.
5 ibid. 208
6 ibid.

keep the land strong; stable from within to protect itself from neighboring states. Legalism had
its success. It was at this time that China would unify and begin to prosper again.
Success in the previous section is too vague and needs explanation. Success through
legalism meant control, it meant death. China was still broken. Its people still lost and in need of
a new way of life. Confucius approached social reform not to make China rich, but to make its
people flourish. To accomplish this they needed a guideline to follow, a way for them to achieve
unity and happiness. It begins with understanding ones self and respecting ones self to reflect
those actions on to others. By following a set of virtues, or ren, one can achieve the highest
potential in humanity.7 Note, Confucius did not believe humans to be perfect, they have desires
and are not completely altruistic but he believed that it was only worth obtaining something if
you were in the means of ren when doing so. Such that, ren was the way of life. It is interesting
to contrast this society to modern Western society. On the basis of why we follow a moral
compass, the Eastern way (of Confucius) focussed on achieving happiness and that is why you
are to be good. In the West, many believe that there is punishment involved with negligent
behavior. It is out of reach to claim which is right, but it is a curious distinction between these
societies. Overall, we are all living on one planet and if we all respect one another and live to our
highest potential then we will have a truly successful society.
Confucius teachings went in depth on all aspects of our way of life. His ideas all act to
support one another. He will discuss ren, then discuss yi, which describes how to act in
accordance to ren.8 Confucius believed in the power of thought, education, and language. He
believed language to be the guideline of how to be. For example, to say you are a father is not
that you have a son, it is that you carry out the relationship with your son in the ideal way a
7 John M. Koller, Asian Philosphies 6th ed (USA, Pearson Education, Inc. 2012) 199.
8 ibid. 201

father should.9 Language is to give you a certain criteria. A word will have certain ideals
associated, thus to truly be a ruler, you must truly rule by the standard associated.
A crucial principle of Confucian ideology is that of education. Ultimately, it was through
teaching the Confucian way that it was able to survive past Confucius death. As his ideas passed
down generations, his students would carry on his legacy. Schools of thought were opened to
further develop and expand Confucianism.10 This was not an easy venture, many years went by
through the Qin Dynasty. Lives were lost and books were burned.11 Legalism was a brutal system
which did not take opposition well. Any foothold Confucians thought they had would be taken.
Eventually, the Confucians of the time saw change could only have dreamed of. The fall of the
Qin and the rise of Han. This not only ended turmoil but shockingly, Confucianism became the
state orthodoxy.12 Legalism had proven unsuccessful during times of peace, it lacked any
guidance for a way of life. The collapse took place quickly and the new rulers were warned of
the old way.13 This was the chance for Confucian ideas to make headway into the Chinese
culture, and through some adaptation they molded their way into society. This process included
adopting other ideals to satisfy all needs in the society. A synthesis of Daoism, Mohism, some
Legalism and even shamanistic practices integrated into the society.14 Confucianism would have
its greatest impact on society during this time.
Confucius thought has had a substantial impact on society. Even in Western culture we
can see aspects of his ideals within it. He may not have experienced a great success during his
lifetime but his legacy lives on. Although, we may not have completely mastered the Confucian
9 John M. Koller, Asian Philosphies 6th ed (USA, Pearson Education, Inc. 2012) 201.
10 ibid. 208.
11 ibid 214.
12 ibid 214.
13 ibid 214.
14 ibid 214.

way and be living in a harmonious Golden Age, we still learn, grow, and succeed from his
thought.

Bibliography

Koller, John M. Asian Philosophies. 6th ed. USA: Pearson Education, Inc., 2012