Good Essay About Confucianism

Confucianism is the way of life taught by Confucius. It is a traditional Chinese culture and a complete ideological system created on the 6th and 5th century based on the culture of the Shang, Zhou and Xia dynasties. Confucianism is at times viewed as a religion or a philosophy. Confucianism has been followed by Chinese for over 2000 years and therefore it has great influence on their political and spiritual life. The core of Confucianism is humanism or what is termed as the secular as sacred. It focuses on the practical and therefore does not belief in god or life after death. It focuses on the maintenance of ethics and cultivation of thoughts. The major themes of Confucianism that are helpful to people in the present days are; humanism, relationship, etiquette, the gentleman, loyalty, Ren, filial piety and rectification of names.
At the core of Confucianism lies humanism. Confucianism thoughts are based on honesty and examining the world by using the logic of humanity. The basic of Confucianism is the ethical philosophy to be practiced by all members of the human society. In the observation and respect of humanity, Confucianism promotes virtues which are encompassed by five constants which are humaneness, justice, etiquette, integrity and knowledge. Additional to this virtues are honesty, kindness and forgiveness, judge, shame and the sense of good and evil all which are helpful in human life. Ren, an obligation of altruism and humaneness for other persons, is another basic virtue advocated by Confucianism and is helpful to the modern society. This is best expressed in the saying that says; do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you. In other words, Ren is about loving others as one loves themselves. This is a helpful teaching that will ensure brotherly and harmonious existence between the diverse human societies and communities. Etiquette in this context is a representation of the Confucianism secular functions of social life that include customs, rites, rituals, etiquette and morals. These are the comprehensive system of social control or norms that guide a society into what are perceived right or wrong. Though man was not born good or evil, these values help in living a good social life.
The greatest goal of Confucianism is social harmony. This is achievable through healthy relationships that contribute to the creation of a peaceful world. This is a helpful teaching of Confucianism that is necessary in the present world. Relationships take various forms and all should be meant in achieving social harmony. They include the relationships between the ruler and the subject, father and son, husband and wife among others that when observed to be healthy will bring social harmony. Another aspect of Confucianism that is advocated by the religion and it is rather not good for the society is loyalty. In this context, Confucius referred to the loyalty to ones class. Though he did not advocate that ‘the might are always right’, he was of the position that the superior be obeyed their moral rectitude. Confucius advocated that an evil ruler should be overthrown. To some extent, the aspect of loyalty seems to be a factor that can cause social conflicts and unrests.
Most of the Confucians teachings are good for the society for the call for social harmony, love and peace. However, the achievement of these social requirements has a considerable economic value as it is witnessed with Chinese development backwardness due to the embracement of the teaching. In conclusion, Confucianism is more of a lifestyle than a religion and adherence to its doctrines will make the world a better place to live as it would reduces hostility, increase love and therefore realize the most sought after in the world: PEACE.