1. Confucius was born around 550 B.C. in China. He lived during a time of
chaos and disorder.
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2. Living during a time of chaos and disorder, Confucius wanted to restore order. He wanted to restore peace.
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3. At first, Confucius sought a position in the government to help influence Chinese policies. But Confucius was denied a government job.
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4. 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.
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5. 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.
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6. 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.
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7. Confucius believed in five important relationships
Confucius believed in five important relationships. For example, the people or subjects must obey their emperor.
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8. The wife must honor and obey her husband and the husband must provide for his wife.
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9. The son must honor and obey his father and the father must set a good example for his son.
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10. The younger brother must honor and obey his older brother and the older brother must set a good example.
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11. Yet in the relationship of friend and friend, friends are equal.
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12. 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.
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13. When people know and do what is expected of them, then peace and harmony reign. Yes, peace is possible only when order exists.
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14. 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.
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