Who is Confucius? To some he may appear as a joke. However, Confucius, in reality, was not a laughingstock. He was a man who strived to bring peace and happiness to a world ravaged by crime and war. Confucius " did not look for paradise in the next world " like other religions but rather he was more concerned with achieving happiness in one's own lifetime. A respected Chinese philosopher, Confucius, or "Kung Fu Tzu," began as a teacher, stressing the importance of self-discipline and generosity. He thought the gentlemen, or "Chun Tzu" was the key to a good social life. Although "Chun Tzu" was a title reserved for princes, Confucius expanded its meaning to include anyone of "good moral character." He believed that these people were rulers and that others would be encouraged to follow in their example. He believed in treating others with respect and in turn, they would reciprocate that respect. This could be linked to what came to be referred to by Confucius as the "golden rule" - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. More philosophical than religious, his teachings act more as a guide for self-improvement. It is based upon these teachings for a better self and an improved government that led to the concept of Confucianism. Confucius took an angle with his teachings that was moral, political and ethical. He felt that if there was righteousness in the heart that it would to beauty in the character, which would lead to harmony in the home and then order in the nation. Finally, if there were total order in the nation, order would create peace in the world. Confucius believed that rule should be through morality and not violence or force. He believed that the center of relationships was the self and it forms from interactions with others. His goal was to become more human and this served as the basis for forming strong relationships. The teachings of Confucius contain many values. The most important value is jen. This virtue de...
