NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY

NAME: LAIBA HUSSAIN

ROLL NO: NDU-GPP/BS-S/23-013

SUBJECT: SOCIOPOLITICAL THOUGHT

SUBJECT CODE: STP-112

SUBMITTED TO : MAM QURAT UL AIN

Confucius, early life, philosophy and
analysis.

Early life:

Kongzi, was born in 551 BCE (modern-day Shandong Province, China). Confucius
was raised in a lower nobility family and lost his father when he was a young boy.
Confucius was well educated and skilled in the Six Arts—ritual, music, archery,
charioteering, calligraphy, and arithmetic—despite the modest means of his
family.

Throughout his life, Confucius held a number of positions in the government,

including bookkeeper, granary keeper, and eventually Minister of Crime. He tried
to put his political ideas into practice, but he came across opposition. Ultimately,
he resigned from his official position because of political games and his failure to
change government policy.

Philosophy:

The main source for Confucius' philosophy is the "Analects" (Lunyu), which is a
compilation of his sayings and concepts put together by his followers. A wide
range of subjects are covered in his teachings, such as morality, ethics, family
dynamics, governance, and personal behavior. Main points of his philosophy are

REN (仁)- Kindness or Humanity: Ren, which can be translated as

kindness, compassion, or humanity, is a key idea in Confucianism. Confucius
believed the practice of this goodness is necessary for both the well-being of
society and peaceful relationships between individuals. Ren highlights the value of
empathy, kindness, and ethical behavior. According to Confucius, people should
make an effort to develop goodness in their relationships with other people by
promoting compassion and understanding.

Li (礼)- Customs or Behavior:

Li refers to social events, customs, and proper behavior. Confucius thought that
maintaining customs and social manners contributes to the maintenance of peace
and order in society. Li is about developing inner ethics as well as following
outward formalities. People learn to respect others, maintain social harmony, and
contribute to society's general well-being through appropriate behavior.

Xiao (孝)- Filial piety:

The virtue of honoring and respecting one's parents and ancestors is known as
filial piety. Confucius noticed it as an essential virtue that forms the foundation of
ethical behavior. Peace in society is strengthened by filial piety, which exceeds the
family unit. Respecting elders and ancestors teaches people to value tradition,
which is essential to maintaining social stability and continuity.

Yi (义) – Righteousness:

Yi is frequently defined as ethical behavior or morality. The significance of acting

with a sense of justice and moral integrity was recognized by Confucius. Yi means
living morally and ethically even in difficult situations. Confucius thought that
people should have a strong sense of justice to direct their actions and decisions,
especially leaders.

Zhi (智) – Wisdom:

The capacity to make wise decisions and examinations based on knowledge and
understanding is known as wisdom.

To effectively face life's details, Confucius believed that creating wisdom was
important. Ethical values and wisdom work together to promote good leadership
and societal well-being.
Xin (信):

The translation of Xin include "integrity" and "truthfulness." Confucius highlighted

the value of being truthful and honest in all of one's relationships.

ANALYSIS:

Confucius' philosophy promoted moral principles and virtue in an effort to ease

the political and social unrest of the day. He promoted moral character
development in people as a way to create a society that is fair and harmonious.
His emphasis on the value of moral behavior, education, and a stable family
became the foundations of Confucianism.

Chinese culture and civilization have been significantly and consistently influenced
by Confucianism as a philosophy and moral framework. For over two centuries, it
has shaped not only social norms and governmental policies, but also individual
behavior. Confucian concepts are still researched, discussed, and used today in a
variety of settings—not just in China, but also in other East Asian nations that
have been impacted by Chinese culture