Confucianism and its influence today

Confucianism, developed from thoughts by Confucius during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC), is an ethical and philosophical system which has become an influential part of Chinese culture. As Sept 28 marked the 2,565th birth anniversary of Confucius, let's take a look at Confucianism and its influence on people today.

Confucianism was first set up by Confucius (551–479BC) and later was developed by philosophers, including Mencius, Dong Zhongshu, Wang Yangming and others.

Confucian ethics is characterized by the promotion of virtues, encompassed by the Five Constants, or the Wuchang (五常): humanness, righteousness, proper rite, knowledge, and integrity. Its gentleman, or junzi, philosophy has become the standard of many Chinese people, especially intellectuals.

After Confucianism gained a supreme position in the Han dynasty more than 2,000 years ago, its influence penetrated all walks of life and all streams of thought in Chinese society for the generations to come.

Confucianism means a lot not only to China, but also to the world. In 1988, 75 Nobel prizewinners said that if mankind is to survive it must go back 25 centuries in time to tap the wisdom of Confucius.Today, extracts from Confucianism are frequently quoted by foreign dignitaries in their speeches or talks.