Confucianism- Chinese Philosophy - Famous Philosopher - Confucius (551 - 479 BCE)

Confucianism

Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system based upon the teachings of the Chinese sage, Confucius.

Confucius was a famous thinker and social philosopher of China, whose teachings have deeply influenced East Asia for centuries. Living in the Spring and Autumn period (a time when feudal states fought against each other), he was convinced of his ability to restore the world's order, though failed. After much traveling around China to promote his ideas among rulers, he eventually became involved in teaching disciples. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, and justice and sincerity. Used since then as the imperial orthodoxy, Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a vast and complete philosophical system known in the west as Confucianism.

The Analects is a short collection of his discussions with disciples, compiled posthumously. These contain an overview of his teachings. Confucius presents himself as a transmitter who invented nothing and his greatest emphasis may be on study, the Chinese character that opens the book. In this respect, he is seen by Chinese people as the Greatest Master. Far from trying to build a systematic theory of life and society, he wanted his disciples to think deeply for themselves and relentlessly study the outside world. For almost two thousand years, Analects had also been the fundamental course of study for any Chinese scholar, for a man was not considered morally upright or enlightened if he did not study Confucius' works.

Enjoy the following quotes by confucius:

* I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. (Confucius)

* Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it. (Confucius)

* It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. (Confucius)

* What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others. (Confucius)

* When anger rises, think of the consequences. (Confucius)

* When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves. (Confucius)

Source: Geoffrey (c) 2010 http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Philosophy-Confucius-Confucianism.htm.