Confucianism??

[Son of the Empire]

Just wondered what people know about Confucianism and Confucius. I've studied Bushido and would now like to know more about Confucianism. I'm born curious I guess... And I'm totally green at this subject...

So the topic will be: What do you know about Confucianism?
And what do you think about it/Confucius??

Shouldn't be that hard...

[IronBrig4]

Confucianism isn't so much a religion as it is a philosophy. Confucius did not pretend to understand the afterlife, since we have enough problems with our current lives.

Relationships are one of the tenets of Confucianism. There are five main relationships: parent to child, husband to wife, ruler to subject, older sibling to younger sibling, and friend to friend. The last one is the only relationship in which the two parties are equal. The superior will provide for those under him, while the inferior will respect those above him.

Filial piety is another important aspect, and ties into the relationships. The children are expected to revere their parents. When the parents become old, it is not enough to just nourish them (don't shut them away in a retirement home). Rather, revere them and treat them with respect and admiration. According to Confucius, children are in debt to their parents from the day they are born. After all, the parents gave them the gift of life. That debt can never be repaid, so children must be respectful and obedient. This is not to say that there must be complete obedience, because parents can still make bad decisions.

Self-cultivation is the part that I agree with the most. Any man can improve himself through education. By studying literature especially, one may transcend social status. Wealth is not a tool that can make one a gentleman.

Humility, courtesy, kindness, and gentility are the most highly valued traits. Confucius once say, "A base man is proud but not exalted. A gentleman is exalted but not proud."

I think we need a good dose of Confucianism in America.