CONFUCIANISM

CONFUCIANISM

Confucianism originated about six hundred years before the Christian era in the east of present day of China (Shangdong province). Its founder, Confucius (551-472 B.C.) came from the landed classes. He wrote two books: The Great Learning and The Doctrine of the Mean. There are two other seminal works of Confucianism, the Confucian Analects edited by his disciples and the Works of Mencius written by Mencius (372-289 B.C.), an important thinker of Confucianism. These 'Four Books' deal with a number of subjects, such as politics, ethics, law and education; one of the main topics is how to live a good life. 

The pivotal idea of Confucianism is “Jen”.In the simplest sense, “Jen” means a feeling of compassion, i.e. concern for the well being of others. Confucius said, “Jen” means “to love fellow-men”, and “where there is ‘Jen’, there is man”. “Jen” is the essence of man, and it is almost equal to “virtue”. If someone has “Jen”, it is implied that he has “virtue”, and if someone has “virtue”, it is implied that he has reached the conditions required to live a good life. Followers of Confucianism must bring Jen into their own society, into their social relations. Every activity should be carried out in accordance with virtues such as benevolence, duty,property ,intuition and trust, and every man can live up to the virtues and thus live a good life. Confucius said: “Is benevolence so far away? If I want benevolence, then benevolence is here!” The quality of your life rests in your own hands.

Confucius said, “At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning, at thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right” (Legge: 1947: p. 8) .

So, for Confucianism, knowledge, learning, responsibility, duty are important values. Social values are also important, in particular friendship and family. The same is true for tolerance, dialogue, new ideas and thoughts, it is also important to give up older ideas. A man should reflect upon himself every day. Reflection is important: it is the precondition for improvement of oneself.  When we lead a simple, normal and rational life, then we can have a good life (Guoqing, 2001b, p. 3). Life is worthwhile and we should be careful to preserve it and live long. Death is to be ignored, and also life after death. Confucianism recommends that people deal with reality ‘here and now’, and not to dwell on illusory troubles (Guoqing, 2001a, p. 82). Yet when death is imminent they should accept it.

Confucianism underlines the importance of the rule of law, of government and communities; these social environments are of central importance for the good life of the people. For Confucianism, the ideal society stresses merit and virtue. Morality is a main requirement for a good life, not only for individuals but also for communities as a whole. The humanities, arts, sciences and technology can also help us to reach a good life, but morality is more important.  Confucianism does not embrace the idea of democracy, because it advocates meritocracy, society should be ruled by wise men with virtues but not by the people.


Classic Confucianist advice appears to be the most apt for finding happiness in present day society, in particular because of its recommendation that one become involved in real life. Classic Taoist advice is second best, its strong point is that it advises against too much social conformism and bookishness. Classic Buddhist advice is better avoided in modern society. Though it may provide some consolation for the chronically unhappy, the medicine seems to be worse than the disease.