![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66053b4843cda.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f45b62f3e.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f45c4c6ff.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f4893e69c.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f5230b3ba.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f45d67dea.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f45da6900.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f45dd5e85.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f465000ef.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f52583b5d.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f46b79657.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f46a36674.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f4739901f.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_63357b30844f1.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f47ce7f1b.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f5232d46a.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f528d6627.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f481d410d.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f4840a653.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f47ca6642.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f478ebfd8.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f481d8734.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f48301c8a.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f48b48231.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f48a70a82.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f48a2ccb0.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f521e3396.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f492d42b5.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f51979260.jpg)
![Confucianism: an optimist's belief system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6082f52093cc8.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Getty Images/Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
What is it? - Although it was spread to other people by philosophers, it is unclear if Confucianism is a religion or a philosophy. It can be considered a bit of both.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
When did it start? - Before the philosopher Confucius (551-497 BCE) popularized the teachings of the belief system, the basics of it existed in ancient traditions.
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Different - In this way, Confucianism is different from other religions. Christianity was named after Jesus Christ and Buddhism was named after the Buddha. However, Confucianism is more of a revival of already existing rituals by one man.
© Getty Images
3 / 30 Fotos
Where is it practiced? - Confucianism is most prevalent in China. But its influence can also be felt in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. It is often mixed with Buddhist and Taoist beliefs.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Omnipotent - Confucianism is not just a philosophy. It is also one of the main bases for ethical, moral, and educational codes in China. In short, it is an all-encompassing belief. It is even possible to have a Confucianist worldview but adopt a different religion.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Books - The teachings of Confucianism are known to us because of books written by the disciples of Confucius. The works are called the Analects and contain all his ideas and teachings.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
The Analects - The teachings of Confucius were preserved in conversation-style writings. In these books, the personality of the man comes out. It is clear that he is extremely determined in his mission to change society for the better.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
Confucius (551-497 BCE) - Confucianism was brought to the forefront, neatly packaged, by Confucius. He was a teacher, philosopher, and political theorist. It is important to know a bit of his background to understand Confucianism.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Growing up - Confucius came from a modest background. He worked menial jobs in the stables but slowly worked his way up to become important on the political scene.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Conservation - Confucius did not see himself as an inventor and did not believe he had particularly new insights. He saw himself more as a conserver of traditions from the Zhou dynasty, where they had worked so well.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Inspiration - Confucius was inspired by Zhougong. He was the duke of Zhou (11th century BCE) who consolidated a feudal system in his region based on rituals.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
Zhou - This meant that society was bound together by covenants, blood ties, and marriage. He believed that ritual observance, instead of law and punishment, created a coherent society. With this system, the Zhou dynasty lasted for more than five centuries.
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
Timing
- Confucius grew up during the decline of the feudal system in China. There were many political crises that were associated with diminishing morals and ethics.
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Ambition - Confucius dedicated himself to learning about the human condition in order to herald a return to more virtuous times. He believed deeply that community and connection were vital for a healthy society.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
The beliefs - The core of Confucianism is respect for those around you. It is embodied in the well-known saying “do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.”
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Morals - In Confucianism, it is important to be a moral person. To become moral, you have to engage in virtuous behaviors. These include being respectful, altruistic, and humane.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Education - Confucius emphasized the role education played in making moral people. He believed that everybody was essentially good; they just need the right kind of learning to adopt good forms of conduct.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
Rituals - Rituals in Confucianism, such as sacrifices to elders, are an important way for people to learn a respectful attitude and create social cohesion.
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Family - A key concept in Confucianism thought is family. It is not just your genetic ties but also the idea that society is a form of family. Everybody should practice some sort of “filial piety.”
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Filial piety - Showing your devotion to your family comes in many forms. From worshipping past ancestors and obeying your parents, to calling the emperor “Son of God.”
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Gods - There are no gods in Confucianism. Instead, the spirits of people who have passed on are venerated. They have temples and rituals to facilitate this.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Bigger picture - If you are a moral person and respect your family, then you will contribute to what is called “cosmic harmony.” This purports that if everyone follows these principles, then they will affect the world positively. Therefore, every single person matters.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Continued - Confucius’ teachings were conserved and added to by his students. Upon his death, the main group of Confucian thinkers split up into eight schools of thought.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Mencius (372-289 BCE) - One of the most prominent followers of Confucianism was Mencius. He also believed in the importance of the family and tried to bring that into his political dealings.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Other followers - All of the important followers had a different take on Confucianism. The collectivist and individualist schools were always at loggerheads. Mencius offered a good middle ground.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Xunzi (3rd century BCE) - The other most important disciple brought Confucianism away from the larger picture and reduced it to a study of the human condition. Through these different paradigms, Confucianism became a way of life rather than a political ideology or a religion.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Han dynasty (100 CE- 50 BCE) - During the Han dynasty, the emperor Wu Di made Confucianism the official state ideology. It coexisted with Buddhism and Taoism.
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Neo-Confucianism - During the Song dynasty (960-1279 BCE), the literary elite created a new brand of Confucianism. It focused more on self-improvement alongside social ethics and moral metaphysics. It was essentially an update that made the older philosophy more relevant to newer times.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
New Confucianism
- Confucianism still plays a role in modern China. It is a synthesis of traditional Confucianism, Western rationalism, and humanism. However, it is less prevalent in society than it was in the past. Sources: (Britannica) (National Geographic) See also: Everything you've always wanted to know about Buddhism
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Getty Images/Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
What is it? - Although it was spread to other people by philosophers, it is unclear if Confucianism is a religion or a philosophy. It can be considered a bit of both.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
When did it start? - Before the philosopher Confucius (551-497 BCE) popularized the teachings of the belief system, the basics of it existed in ancient traditions.
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Different - In this way, Confucianism is different from other religions. Christianity was named after Jesus Christ and Buddhism was named after the Buddha. However, Confucianism is more of a revival of already existing rituals by one man.
© Getty Images
3 / 30 Fotos
Where is it practiced? - Confucianism is most prevalent in China. But its influence can also be felt in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. It is often mixed with Buddhist and Taoist beliefs.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Omnipotent - Confucianism is not just a philosophy. It is also one of the main bases for ethical, moral, and educational codes in China. In short, it is an all-encompassing belief. It is even possible to have a Confucianist worldview but adopt a different religion.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Books - The teachings of Confucianism are known to us because of books written by the disciples of Confucius. The works are called the Analects and contain all his ideas and teachings.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
The Analects - The teachings of Confucius were preserved in conversation-style writings. In these books, the personality of the man comes out. It is clear that he is extremely determined in his mission to change society for the better.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
Confucius (551-497 BCE) - Confucianism was brought to the forefront, neatly packaged, by Confucius. He was a teacher, philosopher, and political theorist. It is important to know a bit of his background to understand Confucianism.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Growing up - Confucius came from a modest background. He worked menial jobs in the stables but slowly worked his way up to become important on the political scene.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Conservation - Confucius did not see himself as an inventor and did not believe he had particularly new insights. He saw himself more as a conserver of traditions from the Zhou dynasty, where they had worked so well.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Inspiration - Confucius was inspired by Zhougong. He was the duke of Zhou (11th century BCE) who consolidated a feudal system in his region based on rituals.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
Zhou - This meant that society was bound together by covenants, blood ties, and marriage. He believed that ritual observance, instead of law and punishment, created a coherent society. With this system, the Zhou dynasty lasted for more than five centuries.
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
Timing
- Confucius grew up during the decline of the feudal system in China. There were many political crises that were associated with diminishing morals and ethics.
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Ambition - Confucius dedicated himself to learning about the human condition in order to herald a return to more virtuous times. He believed deeply that community and connection were vital for a healthy society.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
The beliefs - The core of Confucianism is respect for those around you. It is embodied in the well-known saying “do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.”
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Morals - In Confucianism, it is important to be a moral person. To become moral, you have to engage in virtuous behaviors. These include being respectful, altruistic, and humane.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Education - Confucius emphasized the role education played in making moral people. He believed that everybody was essentially good; they just need the right kind of learning to adopt good forms of conduct.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
Rituals - Rituals in Confucianism, such as sacrifices to elders, are an important way for people to learn a respectful attitude and create social cohesion.
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Family - A key concept in Confucianism thought is family. It is not just your genetic ties but also the idea that society is a form of family. Everybody should practice some sort of “filial piety.”
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Filial piety - Showing your devotion to your family comes in many forms. From worshipping past ancestors and obeying your parents, to calling the emperor “Son of God.”
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Gods - There are no gods in Confucianism. Instead, the spirits of people who have passed on are venerated. They have temples and rituals to facilitate this.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Bigger picture - If you are a moral person and respect your family, then you will contribute to what is called “cosmic harmony.” This purports that if everyone follows these principles, then they will affect the world positively. Therefore, every single person matters.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Continued - Confucius’ teachings were conserved and added to by his students. Upon his death, the main group of Confucian thinkers split up into eight schools of thought.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Mencius (372-289 BCE) - One of the most prominent followers of Confucianism was Mencius. He also believed in the importance of the family and tried to bring that into his political dealings.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Other followers - All of the important followers had a different take on Confucianism. The collectivist and individualist schools were always at loggerheads. Mencius offered a good middle ground.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Xunzi (3rd century BCE) - The other most important disciple brought Confucianism away from the larger picture and reduced it to a study of the human condition. Through these different paradigms, Confucianism became a way of life rather than a political ideology or a religion.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Han dynasty (100 CE- 50 BCE) - During the Han dynasty, the emperor Wu Di made Confucianism the official state ideology. It coexisted with Buddhism and Taoism.
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Neo-Confucianism - During the Song dynasty (960-1279 BCE), the literary elite created a new brand of Confucianism. It focused more on self-improvement alongside social ethics and moral metaphysics. It was essentially an update that made the older philosophy more relevant to newer times.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
New Confucianism
- Confucianism still plays a role in modern China. It is a synthesis of traditional Confucianism, Western rationalism, and humanism. However, it is less prevalent in society than it was in the past. Sources: (Britannica) (National Geographic) See also: Everything you've always wanted to know about Buddhism
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Confucianism: an optimist's belief system
All you need to know about Confucius and his teachings
© Getty Images/Shutterstock
Confucianism is one of the most important belief systems in the world. Rather than being a religion with a god, it is based on reverence for others. A Confucianist believes that everyone is inherently good, they only need the right kind of education to be a moral and ethical person.
Made popular by the philosopher Confucius (551-497 BCE), Confucianism is a way of life that focuses on social cohesion by satisfying humans’ need for belonging and community.
Intrigued? Click through to learn more.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![Unlocking your potential with a growth mindset](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fd8da0bfd4.jpg)
![Adorable animal friendships that will brighten your day](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a347b7ab21f.jpg)
![Love hurts: the ways in which heartbreak affects you physically](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a34533a841e.jpg)
![Outdated workplace trends to say goodbye to](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a241cfb6915.jpg)
![The top 30 countries with the highest salaries](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a1257b5af9b.jpg)
![30 animals with surprisingly human traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc7d59e9be.jpg)
![How to tell if someone is lying, based on their zodiac sign](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0bf8100fc4.jpg)
![How to keep kids safe during a heat wave](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fda1b16851.jpg)
![The ultimate summer skin care routine](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0f721df09f.jpg)
![What is the 'brat girl summer' trend all about?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a246addc9ca.jpg)
![Fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the Oval Office](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669f79198a06a.jpg)
![What are the ancient origins of your zodiac sign?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e75af237bf.jpg)
![The fascinating history of crop circles](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a21460c3c72.jpg)
![What toll does spaceflight take on astronauts?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fa07d627e8.jpg)
![The comprehensive guide to managing and resolving credit card debt](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc270d28d6.jpg)
![Age-specific tips for better sleep](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a216e1b5386.jpg)
![The dangers of compartmentalizing emotions](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697c3f7ccd57.jpg)
![Stunning nature photographs that look like paintings](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_609e6540bdb61.jpg)
![The most polluted rivers in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a98796a53a.jpg)
![Fascinating dog facts that will change the way you look at your pup](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_664c9ce143f08.jpg)
![Countries with the highest disposable income, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fad641cf77.jpg)
![Get to know the "Mad Monk" who had the ear of a Russian empress](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_61cc7aa429f9a.jpg)
![Trees avoid touching? The stunning mystery of crown shyness](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6086d0b58fd21.jpg)
![How the first letter of your name defines your character](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66969fdb92841.jpg)
![How did dinosaurs grow so big?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697d2df7ee71.jpg)
![The most notorious Olympic cheats (other than doping)](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a0a66010aeb.jpg)
![Mediterranean tragedy: the dangerous migration routes to Europe](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e61a422da8.jpg)
![Are liposomal supplements really better?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a6a9b3acea.jpg)
![How to grow food in the city](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663cb61851ff9.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about slow living](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663b862fda57a.jpg)
![The French origins of the Swedish monarchy](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663ba08c3840f.jpg)
![What rapid weight loss can do to the body](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6641df4c4a90e.jpg)
![Your guide to starting a successful franchise](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663a5255b413a.jpg)
![Seeking out the "four F's" of commonly foraged food](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66332bd2057c7.jpg)
![A parent's guide to raising emotionally intelligent children](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e897d15e3e.jpg)
![How (and why) to create a personal development plan](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_664488d8abddc.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week