Confucianism is the philosophy based on the teachings (analects) of Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC), who was an important Chinese philosopher.
Confucianism has a complete system of moral, social, political, and religious thought, and has had a large influence on the history of Chinese civilization.
Confucianism was made to stop the fall of Chinese society. After the Zhou Dynasty fell, people cared only for themselves and did not have any respect for others. Confucianism became a social order for China, teaching that social relationships are the most important.
People slowly started to believe in it, because they wanted to have peace, but they had to care for themselves too. As a result, Confucianism brought the people love, harmony, and respect for one another.
The teachings of Confucius focus largely on the respect of one's parents, elders, and ancestors. He also taught that humans 'can never stop learning'; meaning that knowledge is infinite, therefore we will always learn, never stopping. For example, he once asked a seven-year-old child to be his teacher, because the child knew something that he did not.
There is debate whether Confucianism is actually a religion or is simply a system of philosophy. The privileged position of Confucianism within Chinese society lasted for many centuries, until the Communist takeover, and had a profound influence on the development of China.
The teachings of Confucius are focused on two interrelated areas: Social Teachings, which deal with the proper behaviour of the individual in society and to others, and Political Teachings, which deal with the art of governance and the proper relationship of the Ruler to the ruled. He viewed education as central to achieving proper conduct both within Society and in Government.
Social: rituals encompass both semi-religious practices as veneration of dead ancestors, as well as the broader concept of etiquette and correct social interaction.
Confucius taught that there were mutual obligations arising between members oft social relationships, for example as between Husband and Wife, Parents and Children, and so on.
Adherence to the proper conduct expected between members of these groupings would serve as the foundation of a just and stable society.
Although the subordinate members of a relationship (children to their parents, wives to their husbands and so on) were required to be obedient, their obedience was not absolute and depended upon the superior member of the relationship acting in accordance with his own obligations.
Political: Much of Confucius's teachings focused on the art of governance and how a ruler should act. Confucius advocated for true justice and compassion on the part of the ruler and the ruled. Only by being a just ruler would the ruler enjoy the Mandate of Heaven and continue to have the right to rule.
Education: Confucius taught that one the key to self mastery was through scholarship and study. He stated "He who learns but does not think is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger." (Analects 2.15) In his own teachings, Confucius did not lecture, but rather asked questions of his pupils and used analogies to classic texts.
Shortend and compiled by Bobbey Pernice, 2018, April 20th
Sources:
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism
http://confucius-1.com/teachings/