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Confucius was born around 550 B.C.in China. He lived during a time of chaos and disorder.

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Living during a time of chaosand disorder,

Confucius wanted to

restore order. He wanted to restore

peace.

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At first, Confucius sought a

position in the government to help influence

Chinese policies. But

Confucius was denied a

government job.

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So, Confucius decided to become a teacher. If he could change the hearts and minds of China’s young people, he could change China.

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Yes, as a philosopher, Confucius understood that his students would seek government positions and if he influenced their minds, he could help restore order to China.

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Confucius taught his students that if every person in society knew and did what he was supposed to do, there would be peace and order.

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Confucius believed in five important relationships. For example, the people or subjects must obey their emperor.

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The wife must honor and obey her husband and the husband must provide for his wife.

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The son must honor and obey his father and the father must set a good example for his son.

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The younger brother must honor and obey his older brother and the older brother must set a good example.

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Yet in the relationship of friend and friend, friends are equal.

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Yes, in most relationships, there is a superior and an inferior. The superior must set a good example and provide for the inferior. The inferior must honor and obey the superior.

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When people know and do

what is expected of them, then

peace and harmony reign.

Yes, peace is possible only when order

exists.

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Confucianism eventually became the official philosophy of ancient China. Ideas like filial piety or honoring and respecting parents and inferiors obeying superiors greatly influenced China.