1. Warm Up: If you were…
If you were a child in Ancient China would you enjoy your lifestyle? Why or why not?

2. Confucianism Founder - Confucius Respect Generosity Honor
Strong family bonds
Personal duty to society
Worship of ancestors
Rulers/Males/Fathers were worthy of respect/obedience – trouble would result if a bad example was set

3. Section 2: Confucius and His Teachings
Confucius was the most famous of the early Chinese thinkers. The Chinese called him Kong Fu Zi or “Master Kong”

4. The Life of Confucius Born in 551 B.C. to a noble but poor family.
Confucius was born during a period of constant fighting. Instead of becoming a soldier, Confucius wanted to join the government.
Confucius eventually became a teacher.

5. The Teachings of Confucius
Confucius hoped to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to China’s kingdoms.
His writing made up a system of beliefs and values known as a philosophy.
Confucius hoped to change warring rulers’ ways and bring peace to China.
Confucius taught people to behave properly towards one another.
Respect the people above and below you.

6. The Teachings of Confucius
The five human relationships
Ruler and ruled
Father and son
Husband and wife
Older brother and younger brother
Friend and friend

7. Religious Traditions and Influence
Confucianism became both a philosophy and a form of religion for many people.
Ancient China was home to many kinds of religious beliefs and practices.
The worship of ancestors, and the belief in spirits.
Life should be lived in harmony with nature.
Happiness came from living a balanced life.
The religious philosophy of Taoism supported these ideas and rivaled Confucianism in popularity in China.

8. Taoism Lao Tzu - Founder Relaxed and natural way of finding happiness
Living in harmony with nature
Not acting in anger
Simplicity
Balance of opposites makes the world whole
All powerful force known as the Tao
Immortality – special group of gods who were once human beings

9. The Merit System
Prior to Confucius government job were given to the sons of powerful people.
Afterward, government jobs were given to men on the basis of merit (most qualified).
People had to pass official exams to get government jobs.
Candidates had to be educated and be able to read which made it hard for poor men to enter government. But the examination system did change Ancient China and open up jobs.

10. Warm Up: Sentence Correction
one of the main believes of Confucianism is respect people above and below you and others treating justly One of the main beliefs of Confucianism is respecting people above and below you, and treating others justly.