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

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

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”

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.