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Introduction

If there were to be a way to characterize in one term in how the Chinese way of life has lived for the last thousand years, the term would be Confucianism. No other individual in Chinese history has so deeply influenced the life and thought of his people more than Confucius, as well as millions more in Vietnam, Korea, Japan and even Europe and America.

Even with Confucius' influence being so prominent, there's not a single moralist that has been more criticized than him. One attack was commanded by Mao Tse Tung, who is held with high regard. Mao conceived an early and great hatred for him and decided to free China from his powerful influence in which was "confusing, elitist and anti-scientific." Nevertheless, with the point being noted by many scholars, Mao's attitude was contradicting and many facets of his own philosophy reflect elements of Confucianism.

A respected Chinese citizen is to be labeled as 'red', which means they have the tendency to be politically correct, before being 'expert' which reminds one immediately of the Confucian principle that virtue should be the first quality of a ruler, coming before competence. For example, a professional expertise, without moral superiority, would be harmful, if not useless. The very essence of Confucianism still lies beneath the surface of Maoism.

Early History

Confucianism was developed in China by Master Kong in 551-479 BC, who was given the name Confucius by Jesuit missionaries who were visiting there. However, the fundamental principles of Confucianism were established before his birth, taking place within the Zhou Dynasty. At that time, the ideas of respect and the well-being of others were powerful, but there was also an emphasis on spiritual matters. In further detail, the goodness of the divine and the mandate to rule given to those in power. These ideas were meant to unite the people, create stability and prevent rebellion.

For over 2000 years, Confucianism was the official ideology of an empire. Furthermore, for 1200 years since the Suei dynasty, Confucian books were the sole material for the civil service examination and for those scholars who aspired to be administrators.

Society

Confucius devoted most of his teachings to the attainment of social harmony through cultivation of the individual and virtuous government, the model of which laid in the golden ages of the past. Therefore, man had to be taught that he was perfectible through education, a moral education able to develop his inner and inborn virtue. This was the origin of Chinese reverence for tradition and learning. Social harmony was achieved when the 'Five Relations' were fulfilled; four of them structured as the following: Prince - Subject, Elder - Younger, Father - Son, Husband - Wife. The fifth relation was among friends.

A notable correction to the 'dryness' of the scheme is the existence of friends who are part of the group. Friendship is highly praised and is described in different versions. More than the wife or the family, intimate friends may be trusted and confided in. Outlined by the general lack of trust in interpersonal relations, a priority is given to the emotional content of friendship, therefore, one did not easily make friends with work associates or business acquaintances for fear of mixing feelings and self.

Inside the family and the group, emphasis is put on cultivation of the individual in order for oneself to be able to govern a house properly. Cultivation is the learning of received behavior and stylized response, gentleness, controlled expression including a strong dislike of raw emotion and impulsive reaction. A man is not judged for himself in himself, but rather by the way he fits into the standard pattern of interpersonal relations within the group. This politeness is not courtesy and should not be mistaken for it, as it is adherence to a formal model. For example, the term of a man being a gentleman is also the meaning a man of 'virtue.'

Modern Day

There are only two branches in the tree of Confucianism that still exist in the modern day. Singapore introduced Confucian ethics in 1983 as part of its program to teach religion in the schools. Deputy Prime Minister Goh gave an explanation for the rationale of this: "Confucius believed that unless a government was headed by upright leaders, the country would face disaster. The impact of Confucian ethics in Asia can be compared to that of protestant ethics in the United States. They both showed the importance of character in achieving business and professional success."

Understanding Confucianism

Sources:

http://study.com/academy/lesson/confucianism-definition-beliefs-history.html

http://philosophy.lander.edu/oriental/main.html

http://asiasociety.org/education/confucianism

http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/contents/02cul/c04s04.html

http://www.tparents.org/unews/unws9908/Klemme_confucian.htm