Effects of Confucianism on China

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The Effects of Confucianism on Classical China Kongfuzi, or Confucius is one of the most influential thinkers the world has ever seen. He was born in Lu, during this time, the Chinese social structure was deteriorating. This was known as the “dark age” which was after the Zhou empire fell. Confucius became a philosopher as a young adult during the Spring and Autumn period(771 BCE-476 BCE) in China. Many transformations happened during this time period. China transitioned from a Zhou feudal system to a multistate system; from an economy based on manorial management, to a market economy. The most significant development in this time period was a major breakthrough in the intellectual sphere, in which the Confucian philosophy provided an innovative reinterpretation of feudal ethics. Confucius’s philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and education. His ideas have been the basis of the Chinese culture. The reason why Classical China was so successful, is because of Confucianism. This philosophy improved education in China. His way of living brought order into the Chinese society, and it also changed the government structure. Confucianism not only focuses on education but it reveres it. Confucianism is based on three principles, Ren, Li, and Junzi. The center of Confucianism is Ren which is human righteousness. Li revolves on etiquette and morals. Junzi is the moral disposition to do good. The concept of Junzi is of one who has become a perfect person through education, self-cultivation, right-thinking, and right-acting. According to Confucius, the meaning of life is realized through moral self-cultivation and self-transformation. In order to be a Junzi, a person must be loyal, obedient, and knowledgeable. Yi manifests Ren, so in order to achieve Ren, one must be educated. This encouraged people to be

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