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Foundations to 600 CE // Confucianism

Kung Fuzi, more commonly known as Confucius in the west, was a scholar in his middle age that was rejected a position in the bureaucracy of classical china. His reputation of being intransigent, opinionated, and blunt denied him from ever being a politician. This denial would lead him to create a political and social philosophy that is popularly identified as Confucianism. The ideas and principals of Confucianism would be fundamental in the foundation of China’s social and political structure causing progression, the conception of new ideas, and will have a dramatic effect on history. Confucianism would prove to be a valuable trend in China’s history making China one of “Humanities greatest and most enduring civilizations.”

The concept of Confucianism was beneficial to China. It would reinforce order, stressing the importance of having highly educated male elite that would bear the responsibility of all well-beings. China would undergo a Confucian bureaucracy. Remember that one of classical china’s strengths was its government. The government of china, Confucian bureaucracy, was perfect for controlling a large nation, because of its efficiency.


After the downfall of the Zhou, the Hans would revive the words of Confucius by restoring the Analects (the Confucian doctrine). The Han emperors liked how Confucius taught of personal virtue, social harmony, and the significance of government centralization. Confucius’ beliefs would be incorporated in the teachings of bureaucrats. A system of ethics is what Confucianism practically is. Confucianism organizes people into social levels, and speaks of how subordinates should be obedient and respectful to their rulers. Rulers on the other hand should practice sincerity and courtesy towards the people. According to Confucius deception and audacity will cause disputes and rebellion among the people. In addition, those whose motives are based off greed should be warned, for true happiness is found in helping all. One can say that Confucius described the virtues of a gentleman benevolent, reserved, and ambitious to serve and learn. Not only did Confucius’s Analects preach virtues to the emperors and his subordinates but also to families. This component of social philosophy includes respect for parents and charity to children and inferiors alike. Ancestors should be shown reverence. Confucius also spotlighted on how art, music, and exquisite calligraphy should be amalgamated and considered in the refinement of the bureaucratic scholars.


The generation of Confucius’s ideology (Confucianism) is an imperative factor to the development of current China and some civilizations. Confucianism is a reason for many of China’s decisions such as the degeneration of the rank of foreigners, thus more isolation .Confucianism would be an influence in Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and other Chinese influenced civilizations. Eventually Confucianism would reach the west during the 17th century. Matteo Ricci and Prospero Intorcetta would translate make reports on Confucius’s thought. Confucianism would also play a role colonial North America; a few of the founding fathers would make a reference to some Confucian philosophy, respecting Confucius’s ideas.


Confucianism marked the start of Classical China. Even though it did die out eventually it would be revived again for the 9th century to the early 20th century. Confucianism ascertained efficiency in Classical China it was a progressive trend. Many civilizations still mention a few of Confucius’s wise sayings and aspects on everyday life. The present is the present because of Confucianism.