It’s been exactly 2,500 years since his death, yet the philosophy he came up with still influences China to this day. I can probably write an article for every Confucius quote out there. The guy really changed the world.
Confucius built a philosophy so good, it grew into a religion. So now it’s kind of both. But it’s closer to philosophy since Confucius didn’t talk about gods or afterlife. People still worship him, as a spirit.
Believe it or not, he was one of the earliest people to argue that we have the power to transform ourselves. People didn't believe that their life is in their own hands and they can choose to become a better person. No matter what family they came from.
The bit that makes it unique
Confucianism embraces humanity and is heavily focused on human relationships. You’ve probably heard its golden principle in the first five years of your life:
“Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.”
Confucius believed that human character is formed in the family, education of rituals, traditions and history.
The virtue of ren, humanity is a big part of the philosophy. It is believed to be the virtue form of Heaven. Confucius thought that conflicts are a result of a loss of humanity. Ren leads to altruism, humility, respect. Practices of Confucianism are also used within a group to build a sense of community.
Most philosophies I studied are focused on an individual. Buddhism is very personal compared to Confucianism. According to the Chinese philosophy, your life is just as meaningful as you treat others.
True humanity is seen in your relationships, not when you are alone, in solitude.
The idea of “filial piety,” or devotion to family is a key concept here. Family is used heavily in Confucian teachings, often as a metaphor to describe social order. He even referred to emperors and government as “sons of heaven”.
While western philosophies encourage you to acquire certain thinking and values, in Confucianism, you seem to become their representation. Your humanity is the mirror of your own values. To be human means to embody virtue.
Happiness in Confucianism
Happiness is different in each philosophy. State of Nirvana in Buddhism is when you go deep into yourself to remove all the flawed thinking, like craving, attachment, or anger and become in peace with your mind. Confucius also considered that harmony leads to happiness, but he believed in a different kind of harmony.
The perfect state in Confucianism is “Jen”- a concern for wellbeing of others, or “true personhood”.
According to confucianism, harmony is achieved when the person acquires natural principles and applies them to others. This results in less conflict and friction between people. Which creates a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
The natural principles are sincerity, benevolence, filial piety, and propriety. Once they are used properly, this frictionless environment is achieved and this is the path to happiness.
Confucius believed that ethical environment helps humans flourish. And we should focus on our relationships with other people if we want to be happier.
Other type of happiness could be found in learning and becoming a wise person. Learning results in a joy deep inside, that could push people forward to improve and thrive. This sort of joy is absolute and not temporary.
Government
Confucianism was the main political philosophy that held together the Han Dynasty. Thanks to its collectivistic values that helped keep everyone in place and follow their social order.
Values like social responsibility, respect to family, worship of ancestors, self-discipline, altruism, are key principles confucianism is built on. All of them are based on the group other than on the individual, no wonder it helped to build such a powerful civilization.
Family is the most important group in Confucian ethics. Devotion to family strengthens the society surrounding it.
Culture and tradition played an important role in the form of government and Confucius believed these values are more important than legal and penal codes. That’s why only those who shared the same confucian beliefs could be chosen by a governor to help them. The ruler should model the behavior he wants to see in his people.
A good leader inspires people to follow him because of his natural ethical charisma and values. Not through brute force or military power.
“He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.”
-Confucius
Final thoughts
Confucian ethics influenced not only the spirituality, but also the government, science, the arts, social structure of China and at least half of the world.
A unique example of a philosophy that can be used personally as well as collectively to achieve harmonious relationships with people who have similar values.
Confucianism is a powerful concept that was first of its kind. Basing it on benevolence and integrity made it so good, billions could follow it.
Dominic Toretto approves!
Bonus! 4 best Confucius quotes:
“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
Sorry, I couldn’t leave without sharing them :)
Thank you for reading, see you next week for another mindfulness break!
If you enjoyed this week’s edition, please let me know by hitting the like button below!
👇
"People didn't believe that their life is in their own hands and they can choose to become a better person." —A lot of people today probably don't think that they are in control of their lives. But as Tony Robbins said, "you make your own happiness." Surround yourself by joy, and you'll find more of it. Obviously, I recommend wonderful films to help you find inner peace 😉, e.g.:
Movies To Help You Love Life: Ten Life-Affirming Films
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/movies-to-help-you-love-life
Excellent