Confucius

The influence of Confucius can be found throughout multiple cultures around the world today, yet the history of Confucianism and the life of the man himself often remain a mystery. While not strictly a deity per se, Confucius (both as a man and the concepts he developed) has undoubtedly Delving into the life of Confucius, the evolution of Confucianism, and the impact of Confucianism on the world today provides a better understanding of Confucius' influence on the past and the present day.

The general consensus of historians is that Confucius was born in the village of Qufu in Lu state, China, in the year 551 BCE, situated in what is now modern day Shandong province. The timeframe was the end of the Spring and Autumn period in Chinese history, a collection of years involving dynastic feuds, multiple allegiances, constant power struggles, political and social unrest, and a crumbling central power structure, which would all influence Confucius later on in his life.

Confucius was born into a warrior class family of lower stature. After his father's death early on in his life he devoted himself to studies at the encouragement of his mother as a way to elevate his place in the world. At the time, exams allowing service in state matters was the only other option to elevate one's status, aside from the more dangerous military service. Despite the fact that Confucius' father was a decorated soldier, his mother was in fact a concubine, so at the time of Confucius' father's death he and his mother were forced into a much less comfortable lifestyle.

The Spring and Autumn period was a time of uncertainty in China, with numerous rulers, religions, schools of thought, and ways of government vying for preeminence and rule the national standard. After establishing himself as a thinker, Confucius served in the courts of various leaders and began attracting a number of disciples. Confucius idolized the previous Zhou Dynasty and modeled his philosophical advice on that dynasty, so much so that one of his most famous claims being that he invented nothing, only transmitted knowledge of the past.

Due to Confucius' humble assertions that he was merely a tool of transmission, not an inventor, many rival schools of thought in China attacked Confucius' philosophical style as unoriginal and worked hard to discredit him and his followers. Nevertheless, for the remainder of his life Confucius authored and emphasized the study a variety of texts, including the Analects, widely spreading his ideas on filial piety, the place of the Emperor, the nature of life, and many other subjects. By the time of his death Confucius was respected, but only afterward was he brought to a place of extreme veneration beyond his own school and those that knew him personally.

While in many ways complex, Confucianism encompasses social, moral, philosophical, religious, and political thought through the works of Confucius and later on interpretations through his disciples. Unlike other religious options with fatalistic outlooks, Confucianism stresses the fact that human beings must strive to learn and therefore perfect themselves in various areas without the looming threat of eternal punishment or damnation. In other words, for the good of the world, the country, the town, the family, and the self, improvement is an obvious choice.

Overarching themes in Confucianism, both traditional and modern, include family relations, loyalty, the concept of the gentleman, ritual, and the rectification of names. Reciprocity is key, holding individuals accountable for their actions by magnifying the results on larger scales to drive home the need for self-improvement and proper behavior. Using the Zhou Dynasty as a model, Confucius attempted to teach his disciples to study, improve themselves, and do their best to restore China to former unity and harmony on all levels.

One of the most interesting aspects of Confucius' place in the modern world is his veneration as a deity in his own right, which actually began quite soon after his death. Certain schools of thought go beyond Confucius' place as a scholar and philosopher, placing him on a higher pedestal and worshiping him in the same way one might a deity instead. This kind of Confucius worship often clashes with schools of thought more oriented towards traditional Confucian practices, but in many cases practitioners combine elements of both.

Confucianism still exists as state religion in certain countries, and the impact of Confucius reaches far beyond China. Many concepts inherently Confucian have synthesized with other religions, and in many cases Confucian principles are regarded as moral and philosophical properties that transcend religious lines. For example, in modern East Asian countries, families may practice family relations and ancestor worship in a Confucian manner while simultaneously existing as devout Buddhists or Christians.

Confucius' life may have been riddled with difficulty and uncertainty, but he managed to shape a way of thinking that not only shaped history significantly, but continues to influence the daily lives of countless people across the globe.