Confucius and His Teachings

1. Confucius and His Teachings Coach Parrish OMSChapter 5, Section 2

2. Founder • Confucius – Chinese teacher and philosopher. He was the founder of the religion Confucianism. • The religion is based on the writings and teaching of Confucius. Most stories contain a moral message.

3. Life of Confucius • Confucius was the most famous – and important – of the early Chinese thinkers. The Chinese called him Kong Fu Zi or “Master Kong.”

4. Early Years • Confucius was born in 551 BC to a noble but poor family of the North China Plain. He loved learning and was mostly self-taught. After he failed to succeed at advancing in government, he began to teach.

5. Pioneer Teacher • Many historians think that Confucius was China’s first professional teacher because he charged a fee for students. • Confucius taught his students his views on government and life. He searched for a ruler that would follow his teachings but he died having never found one. He thought he was a failure.

6. Teachings of Confucius • Confucius did not claim his teachings to be original. He thought his teachings were the works of wise men before him. • He hoped to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to China’s kingdoms.

7. Confucianism • Confucius himself never wrote down his teachings. Instead, his students gathered a collection of his sayings after his death. • His writings became a philosophy – system of beliefs and values, that became known as Confucianism.

8. Bringing Order to Society • The goal of Confucius was to bring peace and order to China. He lived during a time where Chinese kingdoms were fighting for control. • Confucius believed that if people could behave correctly toward one another, peace would come.

9. Respecting Others • Confucius taught that people should know their place in life and society. They should respect people above and below them. • The Five Relationships • Ruler and Ruled • Father and son • Husband and wife • Older Brother and younger brother • Friend and Friend

10. Religious Traditions • Although Confucianism is a philosophy, it has been a religion for many people. Many Chinese used Confucianism along with other religions. • Taoism supported the ideas of living a balanced life with nature. Taoism is based on the writings of Laozi, who lived in the 500s BC.

11. Influence of Confucius • The teachings of Confucius came to have a major effect on Chinese government. The teachings became part of the basic training for members of civilservice – a group of people who carry out the work of government. • After the teachings of Confucius, the Chinese merit system was removed. Before government jobs were given to the sons of powerful men.

12. Rising to High Positions • The examination system did not open government jobs to everyone. Candidates still had to know how to read. This law made it difficult for the poor man to enter government.