Confucius was born around 550 B.C. in China. He lived during a time of chaos and disorder. E. Napp

Living during a time of chaos and disorder, Confucius wanted to restore order. He wanted to restore peace. E. Napp

At first, Confucius sought a position in the government to help influence Chinese policies. But Confucius was denied a government job. E. Napp

So, Confucius decided to become a teacher So, Confucius decided to become a teacher. If he could change the hearts and minds of China’s young people, he could change China. E. Napp

Yes, as a philosopher, Confucius understood that his students would seek government positions and if he influenced their minds, he could help restore order to China. E. Napp

Confucius taught his students that if every person in society knew and did what he was supposed to do, there would be peace and order. E. Napp

Confucius believed in five important relationships Confucius believed in five important relationships. For example, the people or subjects must obey their emperor. E. Napp

The wife must honor and obey her husband and the husband must provide for his wife. E. Napp

The son must honor and obey his father and the father must set a good example for his son. E. Napp

The younger brother must honor and obey his older brother and the older brother must set a good example. E. Napp

Yet in the relationship of friend and friend, friends are equal. E. Napp

Yes, in most relationships, there is a superior and an inferior Yes, in most relationships, there is a superior and an inferior. The superior must set a good example and provide for the inferior. The inferior must honor and obey the superior. E. Napp

When people know and do what is expected of them, then peace and harmony reign. Yes, peace is possible only when order exists. E. Napp

Confucianism eventually became the official philosophy of ancient China. Ideas like filial piety or honoring and respecting parents and inferiors obeying superiors greatly influenced China. E. Napp