"What you do not want done to yourself, do not do onto others"

During this last week in class, we began discussing the cornerstones of traditional Chinese culture which included Daoism, Legalism and Confucianism. Each of these systems helped shape the history, structure and people of the Chinese society. Although Daoism and Legalism contributed in large part to the Chinese community, Confucianism was the major ideological system that dominated during the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Confucianism had a great influence in the Chinese government, education and towards all aspects of society. It was a "code of conduct" for how the Chinese should live their life's with the correct personal behavior and the appropriate attitudes towards their own individual duties. It was more then a Religion, it was the philosophy of life.

Confucianism was founded in China when Kung-Futze, also known as Confucius, failed to become the politician he had hoped to be. Confucius was a dedicated independent thinker that spread his knowledge through his preachings. Although his teachings were based on ethical philosophy, political and educational principle, his goal was to please the Gods through good conduct. Essentially, if you were a good person towards your family and society, then God would like you.

The essence of Confucianism can be summarized with two words; social virtue. In order for the Chinese to maintain a social harmony, they would have to live by the virtues of charity, magnanimity, sincerity, respectfulness, altruism, diligence, kindness, and goodness. For a person to be considered virtuous, he must include the three awes:
1. Awe for Heaven's decree
2. Awe for Great men
3. Awe for Saint's words
The society also believed that a well governed country would have to maintain a five stable relationships. Husband and wife, parent and child, elder and youth, ruler and subjects, and also of friend and friend.

When all of these components were met, a society could exist under Confucianism. This idea survived for many years and was even considered a major idea in China once Legalism was established during the Shang dynasty.

http://www.religion-cults.com/Eastern/Confucianism/confuci.htm
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