“Lead the people by laws and regulate them by punishments, and the people will simply try to keep out of jail, but will have no sense of shame… Lead the people by virtue… and they will have a sense of shame and moreover will become good.”

By: Meghan McAllary & Kate Odden Confucius By: Meghan McAllary & Kate Odden

Confucius was born to a poor but noble family in ancient China 551 BC, known as the Zhou times. He was a scholar, hoping to become a advisor to a local ruler. Confucius was one of the many who believed knew ideals would help straighten out the wars in China. Through his education he became wise and gained loyal students.

Confucianism After Confucius died, his beliefs and ideals spread across the east, in what was known as Confucianism. Confucius’s “filial piety” led to the great respect for ancestry in China. Filial piety is respect for parental figures. Confucianism spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam- and eventually almost one third of the world received his influence.

Government Confucius believed that all people are naturally good. He said that the best ruler was a virtuous man ‘wholed’ by example. He claimed that rulers had more than a purpose to enforce laws. They were also there to exhibit a good example for their people. Confucius advised rulers to be good people, which would make them better rulers.

Education Confucius strongly encouraged education. He believed that it was what made men different from each other and higher than animals. He always advised rulers to seek the wisdom of educated men. Chinese strides in education helped along by Confucius was the “road to advancement”.

FACT The name Confucius is the western version of the name Kong Fuzi, or Master Kong.

The Analects of Confucius Confucius never wrote down his ideas and beliefs After death, students collected his sayings and quotes and called it “The Analects”. The Analects of Confucius

Confucius Beliefs He did not have much interest in religious matters… He was more concerned with worldly goals: -how to ensure social order -good government He learned rules of conduct through ancient text.

Belief in the 5 Relationships Confucius taught that when people accept their place in society, there will be harmony. He stressed 5 key relationships: -father to son -elder brother to younger brother -husband to wife -ruler to subject -friend to friend He believed that none of the relationships were equal, except for friendship. (A son was not equal to his father)

Additional Beliefs of Confucius Older people were superior to younger ones. Men were superior to women. While teaching that sons should respect their mothers, he increased the status of women.

The Harsh Ideas of Legalism A Chinese philosopher called Hanfeizi had a completely different school of thought from Confucius. He believed that men were naturally evil and acquired their good nature. He believed that man’s greed was the source of all conflict and action. He laughed at the Confucian idea that people would follow the example of a good leader. Because Hanfeizi’s ideals were based on law, they were known as Legalism.

Legalists Many legalists (followers of the teachings of Hanfeizi) believed that strength, not goodness, was a ruler’s greatest virtue. Many rulers during the troubled times turned to Legalism instead on Confucianism. Then emporer Qin, a Legalist, was so cruel that many despised Legalism after his rule. Despite that fact, many of Hanfeizi’s ideas remain in government punishments.

Works Cited Muhlberger, Steve. "Muhlberger's Early History." More on the Rectification of Names. 16 May. 2008. Technorati. 19 Nov. 2008 <http://www.nipissingu.ca/department/history/MUHLBERGER/uploaded_images/confucius-757900.jpg>. "Asian Culture and Eastern Philosophy." Rare Buddhist Books. . Forest Books- Online. 19 Nov. 2008 <http://www.forestbooks.net/Asian%20Culture%20and%20Eastern%20Philosophy.html>. Bristow, Michael. "The city of Qufu in China's Shandong province will forever be linked to its most famous son - Confucius. ." China torch relay: Qufu. 21 July 2008. BBC NEWS . 19 November 2008 <http://search.live.com/images/results.aspx?q=the+Analects+of+Confucius&form=QBIR#focal=4187264347223cd48053910b63b0f850&furl=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F44611000%2Fjpg%2F_44611802_qufu_confucius.jpg>.