Beliefs
Confucius believed that each person had a specific place in society and certain duties they had to fulfil. He placed great importance on family and family life. He saw family life as a training ground for life in society, as it is at home that the child learns to deal with problems that they will face later on in life. The term filial piety respect for one's parents or ancestors. Confucius also greatly emphasised the importance of education, as he believed that good education and having a good family life would result in a good member of society, good government officials, a good government and therefore a prospering state.
Confucius set up Five Basic Relationships:
- Ruler - Subject
- Father - Son
- Elder brother - Younger brother
- Husband - Wife
- Friend - Friend
For all five relationships except the last one, there is an greater authority of one person over another, for example, ruler over subject, elder over younger..etc. Each person in society was to be obedient and give respect to the "superiors", while the "superior" owes loving responsibility to the "inferior".
Respect was also given according to age, as age was believed to give all things their worth. We can see this in Asian cultures today.
Confucius also believed that there were Five Virtues:
- Li - Ritual etiquette
- Ren - Benevolence
- Xin - Faithfulness
- Yi - Righteousness
- Xiao - Filial Piety
His social philosophy was based of the principle of 'ren' - benevolence and kindness. He believed that 're' could be put into practise by using the rule and famous quote:
"What you do not wish yourself, do not do to others."