CONFUCIUS AN INTRODUCTION CONFUCIUS BACKGROUND Confucius is one

CONFUCIUS: AN INTRODUCTION

CONFUCIUS : BACKGROUND �Confucius is one of the most famous philosophers in Chinese History. �He was born in 551 BC, to a poor family within the North China Plain. �His lesser-known, birth-name, is K’UNG CH’IU

CONFUCIUS : BACKGROUND �When Confucius was 3 years old, his father passed away. �Confucius always had an interest in government, but ended up pursuing TEACHING. �He believed that he could change the world by influencing future leaders (his students).

CONFUCIUS : EDUCATION �During Confucius’s time, only wealthy families were able to afford schooling. �Because of this, Confucius opened his own school to educate poor students. �He believed that education & knowledge belonged to anyone who had the desire to learn.

CONFUCIUS : TEACHINGS � Confucius, however, was not a typical teacher as you know of today. � Confucius developed a new moral code based on RESPECT, HONESTY, EDUCATION, KINDNESS, & STRONG FAMILY BONDS. � This code eventually became known as “CONFUCIANISM”. � *Note: Confucianism is not a religion, but a philosophy or spiritual practice.

CONFUCIUS : THE ANALECTS �Throughout his teaching, Confucius was known for his inspirational sayings and ideas. �He, himself, never wrote down any of his teachings, but his students recorded these phrases into a book called THE ANALECTS.

CONFUCIUS : THE ANALECTS � THE ANALECTS contain various quotes from Confucius, including: “DO NOT DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOURSELF DO NOT WANT. ” “IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW SLOWLY YOU GO, SO LONG AS YOU DO NOT STOP. ” “EVERYTHING HAS ITS BEAUTY, BUT NOT EVERYONE SEES IT. ”

CONFUCIUS : GOVERNMENT �Confucius believed that a good government was the basis for a peaceful and happy society. �The basis for a good government, according to Confucius, was good officials.

CONFUCIUS : 5 VIRTUES �In order to become a “good official”, a person had to master FIVE VIRTUES. � VIRTUES are behaviors that show high moral standards

CONFUCIUS : 5 VIRTUES �The first virtue, according to Confucianism is Li. � Li represents ETIQUETTE & MANNERS. �ANALECT: “Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart. ”

CONFUCIUS : 5 VIRTUES �The second virtue of Confucianism is � Ren represents KINDNESS TO FELLOW MEN. �ANALECT: “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses. ”

CONFUCIUS : 5 VIRTUES �The third virtue of Confucianism is � Xin represents TRUTHFULNESS, FAITHFULNESS, & SINCERITY. �ANALECT: “The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions. ”

CONFUCIUS : 5 VIRTUES �The fourth virtue of Confucianism is � Yi. Yi represents RIGHTEOUSNESS & HONESTY. �ANALECT: “When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves. ”

CONFUCIUS : 5 VIRTUES �The fifth virtue of Confucianism is � Xiao represents Xiao. STRONG FAMILY VALUES. �ANALECT: “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home. ”

CONFUCIUS : RELATIONSHIPS