Cofucianism
... of government and family was education. Confucius said, “In education there should be no class distinction.”(Confucianism 308) This was true, but since China was an agricultural society, a higher education was not necessary for one to succeed. Also, people were too poor to send their children to school. The basis of Confucian standards in education was to develop the human nature and to bring about a good society (Confucianism 308). Confucius had his students study history, poetry, and music. He sought to develop the total man. To prep his students for the real world, Confucius created a wide variety of situations in which his students had to conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to the public. Confucianism had almost complete control over the education system in China. Study was finding a good teacher and imitating his words and deeds. Although school was only part of the education process, home and community were also equally important. Until 1905, the education system, texts, and ideals were all Confucian (Confucianism 308). After that, China moved towards a more modern way of teaching, but Confucian beliefs were still emphasized. Since Confucius was exiled from government, one of his goals was to have his followers and students receive positions in government. He was successful in doing so. After a large number of his students had held government jobs, Confucius was given another chance to work with the government. He was awarded with a post with a notable title (Confucius 311). He learned that he had no authority, and he was only given the title for the sake of appearance. He soon resigned in disgust. Confucius believed government should be in the hands of the educated and the virtuous. His political philosophy had a foundation of self-discipline and the leader should treat his subjects with love and concern (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/confucius/). He also said a ruler should rule by moral example and not by force. The sovereign should rule by the mandate of Heaven (Confucianism 308). At this time China was ruled through one family, in the form of dynasties. Confucius did not believe in divine order, and eventually disappeared in due time. Anyone who possessed virtue and ability should be able to govern. Confucius emphasized the Six Arts. These were ritual, music, archery, chariot riding, calligraphy, and computation (Paley 27). The Analects are the most sacred and revered text in Confucian tradition (Wilson). The Analects are a collection of Confucius’ sayings and teachings. They teach general specifics, not principles. The Analects form the foundation of much speculation on the education and comportment of the ideal man (www.isop.ucla.edu.eas/documents/lungu/Ch1/htm). Music and dance constantly talked about in Confucian writings. Music and dance embody the wisdom of the composers. It is said that literature was, “to embody the Way.” The Way is the single thread that runs through the Confucian teachings. This is seen because writing, prose, and poetry are historically strong in Confucianism. Calligraphy and painting have become a technique in people purify and harmonized their emotions. The teachings in the Analects promote non-doing and controlling feelings as to live peacefully with our ...