Confucianism as a Philosophy of Living - Essay Example

Confucius was a Chinese scholar and statesman who lived over 2000 years ago. He established an ethical and moral system that governs all relationships.

Confucianism views the family as the basic unit of society. Certain reciprocal relationships and responsibilities must be observed to preserve harmony. The relationships exist between ruler and subjects, husband and wife, father and son, elder brother and younger brother, and friends. A specific hierarchy is observed that places the highest importance on rank and age in all interactions. Saving face (not being publicly embarrassed) and not causing shame to another are important. Since the family is the core unit, all actions of an individual reflect on the family and on all members of the family. Life is most valued when the virtues of kindness, righteousness, propriety, intelligence, and faithfulness are observed.

Confucianism is usually practiced with other religions and religious beliefs. Since it originated in Asia, the most common followers are Buddhist.

The original believers, most of whom were Chinese believed that there are three basic dimensions related to the living of life:

• The search for spirituality within one’s self and its relation to the world, that is the province of Buddhism.
• Having peaceful relationships with one's neighbors, which is the province of Confucianism.
• Being at peace with nature, which is the province of Taoism.

Hence the Chinese practice three religions (more appropriately referred to as belief systems incorporating religion, and philosophy of life) simultaneously. It is like a good swimmer who knows that there are three elements related to winning a competition: his mental preparation, his physical readiness, and a sense of affinity with the water that surrounds him.

1. When people are educated, the distinction between classes disappears. (Education was the meaning of life, the key to understanding this world.) People become better by being educated. 
2. If the sons of emperors and princes are without quality they should be reduced to the ranks of the common people. If the common people have quality, they should be elevated to the ranks of the rulers.
3. (He was the first to teach a school of students of all social classes. Makes him the greatest philosopher in China and East Asia.)
4. (Superior men: Men of noble character, not noble birth.) Anyone can be a superior man. It is only necessary to decide to be one. (Demanded honesty, rigorous self-control, and virtue of his students).
5. A Superior man thinks of what is right; a small man thinks of what is profitable. A superior man demands much of himself; a small man demands much of others. A superior man accepts his lot calmly; a small man is full of complaints.

After becoming an advisor to the ruler Lu, he helped establish laws such as:

1. The poor children and the elderly should be clothed and fed with state money. (First concept of the welfare state in China.)
2. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (said this 500 BC!)
3. Give knowledge and education to the common people instead of ignoring or segregating (separating) them.

Soon the ruler forgot about the reform. Confucius left and wandered among the people. The rulers of the time didn’t want reform. They wanted to expand territory and power as much as they could. Confucius wandered around for the next 30+ years never finding a ruler to give him a government appointment. He died feeling like he didn’t have an impact on society. However, his philosophy is followed even today. The importance of a human being as a human being. That a human being is important because the human being can improve himself. We can make ourselves, create ourselves, create our own future.