Confucianism can be said to base its foundations on philosophy. It is said to have been developed in China by one Master Kong, 551-479 BC, who was referred to as Confucius by the earliest ones of the missionaries to have visited China, back in the day. The main philosophy behind it is to not do unto others what you in turn, would not want them to do unto you, and this should not in any way paint Confucianism as some kind of religion like many would want to think, even though its values reflect those of many religions. It is all about social ethics, expressed from a philosophical stand point, and encourages kindness and mutual respect and holds that for there to be a flourishing society, people need to learn how to interact in a positive manner in their everyday lives. Confucianism roots for a civil society where the character wellbeing of others and authority is appreciated. Confucius places emphasis on social relationships and his five main principles were based on the family, which he regarded as the beginning of all sanity. In china, Confucianism dictates nearly how everything is run including at a political, family, and at the level of other social connections 1 .
As we have already found out, the Chinese emphasize the essence of family relationships, and this stretches all the way to the extended family, for family is regarded as the most primary unit of social organization. In a society embraced by Confucius culture, it is apparent that one has to show total devotion and obedience to their parents and most especially the father given that hierarchy has to be observed in what is called Filal Piety 2 . This focus has with time extended to senior figures in the larger family and acts as an added motivation for acceptable behavior. In china, if an individual is involved in success or any act of shame, then the reflection of the family is usually at stake for actions are used to give an insight of what the family is built upon. An example is how much education is a family business and Chinese parents, just like Confucius culture demands, believe that they have a responsibility and obligation to help their children do well in academics and not shame the family.
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Chinese families are the perfect definition of unity. Confucius encouraged respect of authority, and where else to see this in full force than in the Chinese family. In this setup, the father has ultimate say on everything and most decisions are dependent on him. Everyone else in the family has an obligation to respect and uphold these decisions without question. In as much as they have such like a mandate, Confucius does not permit cruelty or arrogance and so fatherly responsibilities are undertaken with total respect to everyone, in addition to which fathers have to act as a source of the moral values that are to be emulated across the society 3 . The family is allowed to determine and shape their children’s moral state, and must take the responsibility of whatever outcome. The idea of guanzi or better said ‘connections’, are shaped at this level and would determine haw one relates with the outside world 4 . The Chinese believe that if one has failed to connect well with their family, then the possibilities of impacting the society at large are but minimal.
Respectful to the society as a whole, the Chinese have some of the best societal norms around the world. These could be said to be the same values that apply to the family unit, only that now, they’re having a go at how people behave and relate with one another. There’s a Chinese proverb to the effect that “No matter how big, one beam cannot support a house” 5 . This reflects the spirit of collectivism which is inherent to the Confucian culture. Western cultures tend to define a person with how much they have accomplished which is unlike how the Chinese go about it. Confucius culture demands that one has to give up their own desires for the benefit of all. That what defines individuals is their relationship with others
The Confucian culture has for millennia managed to suppress the personal needs of the Chinese people, enhancing collective responsibility which starts at the family level. In china, the level of decency among the people is just but one amongst many of the things that have been shaped by the Confucian culture 6 . People have learned to give compliments where necessary and are keen with the observation of etiquette, respectful to their interactions at the level of society. It is under his influence that all Chinese people are of the idea that being tolerant with others is morality at its best. They believe that this brings a certain happiness and stability to their lives. The Chinese people are modest and at the same time respectful to authority. This can be seen in how they are not able to question whatever decisions their government decides upon. This reflects Confucius teachings of respect to authority 7 . Also the Chinese have a warm heart when it comes to guests as it is apparent to their beliefs that the spirit of welcoming and being kind to new guests brings happiness in the home.
Over the years, Confucian culture can be said to have been the pinnacle and driving force behind the political system in china. The political culture in china is reminiscent of the Confucius culture. In the 1960s though, Mao Zedong who was then president of china went on a campaign to do away with Confucianism and even defaced some of his relics. His claim was that Confucius, unlike it is claimed, is responsible for the kind of oppression and lack of identity that the common man was being subjected to. It is the only barrage towards Confucius as since then, the modern China through its leaders has been embracing Confucianism. Evidence is how president Xi of china has embraced the philosophy in a bid to clean up corruption in the Chinese government 8 . He is motivated to promote integrity and accountability among the chines people. He has on several occasions been heard quoting some of Confucius famous quotes. Confucius stated that rulers were only legible if they showed true justice and compassion to their people and this is exactly what president Xi is doing in modern day china. Confucius also required that there be a proper relationship between a ruler and his people and as of today, Xi is regarded as a man of the people in china. This mutual trust has created a stable social order between the political mainstream of china and the Chinese people including the whole world. The political system has been maintained at the highest level where it is the highest authority in mainland china and all people give respect to political authority. Also observed today is the immense trust people accord in political system as they know that they are being served well hence no reason to question its credibility.
Having looked at Confucianism and its impact on the chines people and their culture, it safe to say that the modesty that is inspired by the Confucian philosophy is one to be admired by all. The chines have adopted a system of mutual respect which starts from the family level and this is something that other people can learn from. Respecting authority also starts at the family level and applies in all social and commercial sectors in china. In as much as many western cultures would want to look at Chinese culture as oppressive or so, it should be said that this culture has influenced one of the most stable social stability in the world.
Bibliography
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1 Howe, Eoghan. "Confucianism And Its Influence On Chinese Culture." Prezi.Com . last modified June 23, 2015. https://prezi.com/nn2whpb7vzb2/confucianism-and-its-influence-on-chinese-culture/.
2 Wertz, Richard R. "Exploring Chinese History: Culture: Philosophy: Confucianism". Ibiblio.Org , last modified 2016. http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/contents/02cul/c04s04.html.
3 Wertz, Richard R. "Exploring Chinese History: Culture: Philosophy: Confucianism". Ibiblio.Org , last modified 2016. http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/contents/02cul/c04s04.html.
4 Page, Jeremy. "Why China Is Turning Back To Confucius." WSJ . Last modified 2015 https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-china-is-turning-back-to-confucius-1442754000
5 Page, Jeremy. "Why China Is Turning Back To Confucius." WSJ . Last modified 2015 https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-china-is-turning-back-to-confucius-1442754000
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Howe, Eoghan. "Confucianism And Its Influence On Chinese Culture." Prezi.Com . last modified June 23, 2015. https://prezi.com/nn2whpb7vzb2/confucianism-and-its-influence-on-chinese-culture/.
7 de vigo, Peregrine. "Confucianism In Modern Chinese Society." Chinasource . Last modified March 13, 2014. http://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/articles/confucianism-in-modern-chinese-society
8 Page, Jeremy. "Why China Is Turning Back To Confucius." WSJ . Last modified 2015 https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-china-is-turning-back-to-confucius-1442754000.
