History

How can it possibly be like for a person to be considered as one of the brightest, most profound and one of the most influential person who has ever walked the earth This may sound overwhelming, but the answer to this question is exactly what a man named, Confucius could possibly be feeling today if he is still living. Confucius has always been an exemplar of profoundness when it comes to philosophy. Over the years, his name has echoed within the four walls of the academe as a lot of younger philosophers utilized his teachings and his ideals in their quest for deeper and more comprehensive understanding of lifes realities and issues. His name is one of the most renowned in the fields of philosophy, even in literature and Asian studies. His teachings are some of the rarest, intriguing, insightful and influential there are in history. And through the years these teachings have created and brought about the worlds most significant philosophies, theories and studies. Considering the extent to influence Confucius was able to bring over the years, his credibility in terms of morality, ethics and knowledge and mastery in philosophy and literature have been incontestable. He was even able to establish a philosophy or system of ideologies -- the Confucianism -- of his own which has guided several nations and indigenous groups for generations. Hence, in line with the common interest of learning all about Confucius and Confucianism, this discussion shall delve on exploring the life, teachings and influences of Confucius.

Confucius, just like any other man, had an ordinary birth, ordinary childhood and an interestingly ordinary life. Confucius was born Kung Chiu. Throughout his childhood, his most typical dilemma was on how people pronounce his name. This common mispronunciation brought about an alias which is now one of the most renowned and respected names in the world, Confucius (Kaizuka 42). When Confucius was still a child, nobody really thought that he will someday be one of the worlds most renowned philosophers, for aside from the obvious smartness of Confucius as a child, there was really nothing extraordinary about him then. His leaning towards philosophy, literature ethics and morality was just developed way later in his adult years.

During the fifth and sixth centuries, Asia underwent a series of turmoil and chaos. A lot of nation and empires underwent a turbulent succession revolutions and clashes of beliefs and ideologies. In this mayhem, a dark and violent air of animosity and inhumanity was formed. This was what brought Confucius into founding what the world now knows as the moral and ethical philosophies of Confucianism. Apparently, Confucius was greatly disturbed and appalled by these incidents. Kaizuka notes,

Internationally, there prevailed a situation of chronic warfare within the kingdoms, there were sudden outbreaks of internecine disorder and unhappy ill-starred incidents such as the assassination of the ruler frequently occurred. Confucius, unable to near to look on this anarchy and lawlessness, is said to have planned to add his own comments to the official state chronicle of Lu, in the hope that, by giving prominence to the conduct of insurgent ministers who slew their princess, and of rebel sons who murdered their fathers, he might induce some spirit of self examination in the people of the time hence his resolve to compile the Chun-chiu. (14)

This was what has been considered to be the catalyst of the Confucian thought and philosophy. After this realization, Confucius eventually grew into an insightful man of philosophy who drew his achievements from sharing his person philosophies and ideals on morality and ethics.

The growth of the Confucian belief and tradition has, since then, been surpassing and hardly measurable. In Confucius thoughts and principles, most of the nations in Asia were able to find light in the most difficult feats that involve morality, ethics and politics. Confucius focused on these three main areas, and through the ages, he has been considered as one of the brightest scholars and philosophers who have ever delved on the said subject matters. Confucius was observed to be at his most influential state when he was still living. One of his greatest principle, which is now known as the golden rule says,

Fairness (shu) means making oneself the measure
What you do not wish for yourself, do not do unto others.
What you dislike in others, reject in yourself.
What you wish in others, seek in yourself.
This is fairness. (Roetz 136)

This is one of the most renowned teachings in the Confucian tradition. And over generations, this saying has impacted people differently, and this saying has already taken several versions and translations. As what has already been mentioned, Confucius generation was characterized by chaos and turbulence due to the violent oppositions of different ideologies and principles. Thus, it became a very conducive situation for Confucius contemplation. During this time, Confucius words of wisdom echoed so loudly with so much significance and relevance to the worlds necessity for peace and moral stability during that time. Englebert Kaempfer, a Dutch physician who studied Confuciuss influence in Japan notes,

A profound respect is shewn to his memory both in China and Japan, by publick as well as private Persons. Very lately the Emperor of Japan causd two Temples to be built to him in his Capital Jedo, whither he repaird in Person, as soon as they were finisd, and on this occasion set forth, in a handsome Speech to his Courtiers, the merits of this great Man, and the peculiar excellency of the maxims of Government laid down by him. His Picture is allowd the most honorable Place in the House of Philosophers, and all Persons who apply themselves to studies and learning never mention his name without particular tokens of respect. (Tucker 24)

From this alone, the greatness of the implication and influence of Confucius teachings and ideals become very evident. To further prove this, a prominent and respected collection of works still exist today which serves not just as a memoir of Confucius greatness, but as a remembrance that his teachings have been and are still very significant to the world. Shortly after his death, his teaching and works were compiled into one literary collection which was now known as The Analects. This collection holds most of Confucius most significant teachings, such as his notion of The Mandate of Heaven, as well as his ideals on conservatism, virtue ethics and humanism. This collection also consists of some of Confucius important conversations with his disciples. Furthermore, a lot of critics have actually found this work interesting enough as it also talks about some of Confucius composed aphorisms and poems. For some, this collection was even deemed the Confucian version of the Christians Holy Bible.

Today, the influence of Confucius is still very evident. Some of the virtue ethics and values being promoted by conservative and theological organizations can be seen to root from some Confucian principles. Furthermore, a lot of nations today still utilize Confucian principles and teachings in building better political systems. Hence, the implication and influence of Confucius in the moral transformation of the world are indeed unquestionable. His words surpassed generations, cultures and languages which further prove that his principles hold significant purpose and meaning to life. Thus, if only this great man is still living, it appears understandable if he will be overwhelmed by the respect and recognition the world may put upon him, for these respects are all deserved by a man this great.