Confucius only taught around 3,000 students during his lifetime in the Zhou Dynasty, but his ideas and values became integrated with the Chinese culture of the past and the present (Ames). He created a syllabus for mastering the “six arts” and inspired those who followed his principles to become effective citizens. Although no one knows much about his life, he greatly influence the way China grew into what it is today.
The Ancient Chinese had interesting ways of thinking. Legalism beliefs were a more negative way of thinking than the beliefs of Confucianism because if one did not believe in Legalism, they were tortured, killed, or enslaved (HB). Confucius thought more positively and he said: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart” (BrainyQuote). Confucius was the scholar and philosopher who founded Confucianism. Han Feizi introduced the beliefs of Legalism (WS). Both Confucianism and Legalism were formed in ancient China (HB). Confucianism existed from - and Legalism took place from 280-233 B.C. (WS). Although Confucianism and Legalism have some similarities, the differences between the two are clear.
The spread of Buddhism in East Asia had great success when the region became a center of learning for monks and scholars. Merchants in Central Asia came to the region for trade, and as they learned about Buddhism, they accepted this cultural adaptation. When the Chinese had their first contact with Buddhism through people from central Asia, who were already Buddhist, this religion expanded itself through the Chinese empire. As an interest was established for Buddhism in China, monastic orders were established causing political disputes between the emperor and Buddhists for the centuries to come. During the Han Dynasty, Buddhism enjoyed a great state support; however, after the collapse of the Han Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty influences
Buddhism has been and still is important to the Chinese culture, affecting many traditions and ways of life. Many scholars and political figures have reacted differently to the affect of Buddhism and how it has spread through the 6 chinese dynasties, by believing its effect, disagreeing, and have no say.
Since the start of the Chin dynasty, countless philosophies were developed and preserved throughout time. Legalism, which was created by Han Fei, is an example of change through time as many punishments got weaker and strict laws were declined. On the other hand, one of the main philosophies that show continuity is Confucianism and the ideas of respecting the superior people were developed throughout time. In fact, Mandate of Heaven, a belief of rulers receiving blessings of the gods, is also an example of continuity in philosophies. In summary, during the time period between 221 B.C to 618 A.D in China, Legalism went through many significant changes, while Confucianism and Mandate of Heaven stayed constant.
“With bronze as a mirror one can correct one 's appearance; with history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a state; with good men as a mirror, one can distinguish right from wrong.”
Although Qin Shi Huang-Di is sometimes seen as a fantastic leader and unifier, he was also paranoid, oppressive, and tyrannical. For example, he was constantly worried about people who opposed him and about keeping control of his country. When Confucian scholars talked behind his back or criticized him because his administration was built on Legalism, he decided to get rid of them and ordered the arrest and execution of over 400 scholars (Gracie). This dislike of opposition and debate has carried over to the communist party of China today, showing just how much of Qin’s legacy has lasted. Along with the arrest of the scholars, he also used other means to end intellectual opposition. In 213 BCE, he ordered that all books be burned, except for
The focus of college or any education is about the experiences acquired through the process of learning. However, for the majority of society the new focus is now on the degree, which to many, represent the key to success. Hence, students now equate knowledge and intellect as something that can be readily purchased. Yet, the key to success lies within our actions. This very concept is derived from the Hsun Tzu’s short reading titled “Encouraging Learning”. In his work, the author explains the importance between “thought” and “study”. According to Tzu, one cannot accomplish anything without “study,” which can also be referred to as action. He argues that “study” is invaluable because it is through the process of action that results in the accumulation of experience and knowledge. As the prominent Chinese philosopher, Hsun Tzu puts its “…unless you pile up little steps, you can never journey a thousand li, unless you pile up streams, you can never make a river or sea” (7). Tzu emphasizes the importance of action and experience; the two concepts that bring forth new knowledge and
The Iliad was a really good representation of the chaotic war-torn times of the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea; this includes the countries Rome and Greece. It was a time where nations were trying to expand their power and influence and warriors were claiming their spoils of war. I mean the beginning of book I of The Iliad, Achilles and Agamemnon are arguing over the rewards and the spoils of war. Agamemnon didn’t want to give up his prize girl Chryses in order to please the God Apollo and stop the plague and the rain of arrow falling from Olympus. However, in the end Agamemnon took Achilles’ girl, Briseis, which really hurt Achilles in the end. These warriors took a lot of pride in the things or people that they
The third is younger and older siblings, older sibling were supposed to be considerate toward their younger siblings and in turn the younger sibling are supposed to be respectful to their older siblings. The fourth is friend and friend, the confucianism categorize this the same as the older and younger sibling relationship. The last relationship is father and son, fathers are taught to be kind to their sons and sons are taught to be obedient and listen to their fathers. Confucius also called Kongzi or Kongfuzi in chinese is the founder of Confucianism in 770B.C to 476B.C. He devoted his whole life to education and he had around 3,000 disciples. He also believed that political order would be found by the proper ordering of human relationships. He said that a good government must be filed with people who are well educated and consciences people which are called Junzi. Chinese people built temples to commemorate Confucius. Confucius temples are also called Kong Miao in Chinese. Temples are where people of confucianism worship, and the most known temple is Qufu in Shandong Province. It consists of the cemetery of Confucius, temple of Confucius, and the confucius family
Confucius, Aristotle, and Lao-Tzu—all incredibly influential thinkers—did not always agree on how one ought to live; where Aristotle believed that thought or study led to virtue, Lao-Tzu placed focus on inaction, and Confucius taught that rituals paved the way to the best life. A few ideas, however, tie Confucius closer to Aristotle than to Lao-Tzu. Because Aristotle also placed importance on names, emphasized the need to find a mean of behavior, and believed that rulers should most critically be moral, Confucius would have preferred Aristotle to Lao-Tzu.
Qin Shi Huang-di is often regarded as a great leader within history. However, he was also paranoid and got rid of anyone who disagreed with him, but without Qin, there might be no China. Furthermore, despite his mixed reputation today, he brought six warring kingdoms together to form the basis of a country that has lasted to this day, an impressive feat that was a huge turning point in Chinese history. Qin’s effect on China and by default, on the other countries of the world was enormous. In fact, his dynasty, the Qin dynasty, even gave China its name (“Shi Huangdi Becomes Emperor”). His influence on the world has lasting impacts even today, though it has been over two thousand years since he lived. Qin Shi Huang-Di was a cruel but effective
This quote, is similar to Mencius’ view, as although both believe differently in the nature of humans, the two philosophers both stand for the importance of education, where teachers and rituals play a very big part in the development of a
Buddhism’s ideal practitioners focus on wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Buddhists seek knowledge, act properly, and mediate to obtain liberation. These traits contrast Taoism by Taoists believing knowledge is not something to strive for because it leads to desire, which leads to forceful action. Although, The Analects by Confucius has a theme of wisdom and learning, which parallels Buddhist’s values for wisdom.
Lao-Tzu also known as Laozi was an ancient Chinese philosopher, and the author of the book Tao Te Ching, which is the base of the religion Taoism. Laozi is an inspirational figure for many people; even his works influence Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism also.