Title Cornell Notes: Confucius and His Teachings Page 11 Kong Fu Zi = “Master Kong” EQ: Why was Confucius important to the Chinese? Video:

Life Born in 551 B.C. to a noble but poor family Died in 479 B.C. at age 73 Loved learning Self-taught (from a poor family, could not afford tutors/ school)  Died in 479 B.C. at age 73  Believed his life to be a failure  Teacher  Philosopher ( a person who offers views or theories on profound questions)

Confucianism Ideas came to be known as Confucianism Persecuted in Qin Dynasty 221 B.C B.C. promoted by later rulers Reinforced by the civil examination system from 605 to 1905

Became China’s first professional teacher Charged students for classes Taught rich and poor! “I instruct only a student who bursts with eagerness” 1.What kinds of students did Confucius teach ? Discuss: Do you think you could or would have been one of his students? Why or why not? Teachings of Confucius

1. What was Confucius’s desires with his teachings, what was his goal? 2. Who did he want to impact? Teachings of Confucius

He hoped to bring peace, stability and prosperity to China’s kingdoms Why? Chinese states were fighting each other over land Wanted to bring order in all of society Wanted a ruler to follow his teachings He never wrote down his teachings instead his students did!

Teachings of Confucius: The 5 Relationships Relationship between "two persons” each role of social relations had clearly defined duties 1. father-child 2. ruler-subject 3. husband-wife 4. elder brother-younger brother 5. friend-friend

Philosophy: a system of values Confucius’s teachings became known as Confucianism He taught about five human relationships and explained how people should act in each “Do not do to others what you might not want done to yourself” Although Confucianism was a philosophy, it also could be treated as a religion It helped to guide how you should behave

Influences of Confucius His teachings became part of training for Civil Services jobs Civil Service: the group of people who carry out the work of government People who wanted a government job had to pass official examinations that were based on Confucius Poor Chinese men could enter government positions if they could read and write, and pass the exam. They could go far based on merit.

Taoism (Another Chinese Philosophy) Taoism: Happiness comes from having a balanced life Based on Laozi’s writings in the 500s B.C. Never as popular as Confucianism

Taoism What do you think is similar and different about a philosophy and a religion? Philosophy: a system of values Religious beliefs and practices: worshiping ancestors, honoring gods, beliefs in spirits

Questions Confucius died thinking his life was a failure. What do you think he would have thought about the influences of his teachings? He did not consider himself good or wise. What would you consider him? Why?