confucianism

Everyday

1. A way of thinking and living based on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese teacher who lived about 2,500 years ago; it stresses kindness, honesty, good manners, education and respect for parents, elders and rulers. tree →
2. The tradition of schools, rituals and books that grew from these teachings in China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education and history lessons about China, Confucianism is studied alongside Daoism and Buddhism. Key ideas pupils meet: «filial piety» (respect and care for your parents), «ren» (kindness to others) and the Golden Rule: «Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself». Many people see it more as a philosophy of good behaviour than as a religion with a god. Phrases: «the teachings of Confucius», «Confucian values», «the Analects».

Examples

• Confucianism teaches that children should respect and care for their parents. tree →
• Confucius said, «Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you». tree →
• For centuries, Confucianism shaped schools and government in China. tree →
• Our RE class compared Confucianism and Daoism. tree →
• Confucianism values learning, so exams were very important in old China. tree →
• Many families in East Asia still follow Confucian customs at New Year. tree →

Note

Always written with a capital C because it comes from the name Confucius (in Chinese, Kong Fuzi, «Master Kong»). Said «kon-FYOO-shun-iz-um». Uncountable. The adjective is «Confucian». A common myth is that Confucius wrote all the jokes and sayings that begin «Confucius say…»; most of those are modern made-up jokes.