confucianism?

what was it about? how wide spread was it? What is the Philosophy of Confucianism?

Confucius (K'ung Fu-Tu), born in the state of Lu (northern China), lived from 551 to 479 B.C. He was a brilliant teacher, viewing education not merely as the accumulation of knowledge but as a means of self-transformation. His legacy was a system of thought emphasizing education, proper behavior, and loyalty. His effect on Chinese culture was immense.

The teachings of Confucius are contained in the Analects, a collection of his sayings as remembered by his students. They were further developed by philosophers such as Mencius (Meng Tse, fl. 400 B.C.). Confucianism is little concerned with metaphysical discussion of religion or with spiritual attainments. It instead emphasizes moral conduct and right relationships in the human sphere.

Cultivation of virtue is a central tenet of Confucianism. Two important virtues are Jen, a benevolent and humanitarian attitude, and Li, maintaining proper relationships and rituals that enhance the life of the individual, the family, and the state. The ?five relations,? between king and subject, father and son, man and wife, older and younger brother, and friend and friend, are of utmost importance. These relationships are reinforced by participation in rituals, including the formal procedures of court life and religious rituals such as ancestor worship.

Confucius revolutionized educational thought in China. He believed that learning was not to be focused only on attaining the skills for a particular profession, but for growth in moral judgment and self-realization. Confucius's standards for the proper conduct of government shaped the statecraft of China for centuries. Hundreds of temples in honor of Confucius testify to his stature as sage and teacher.

Confucianism was far less dominant in 20Th-century China, at least on an official level. The state cult of Confucius was ended in 1911. Still, Confucian traditions and moral standards are part of the cultural essence of China and other East Asian countries.

I dislike Confucianism because it is a man in charge-religion.

Confucianism is a religion started by Confucius in the Zhou (Joe) Dynasty in China. His ideas gave the Chnese sort of a guide, if you will, for living. His ideas were ones like;
-Leaders should set a good example for his or her followers.
-Society is like a family, so treat it like one.
-People should work together for the common good.
Confucianism was quickly abandoned by Chinese government after Confucius died, and they converted back to Bhuddism. Then later in the Han Dynasty, it was brought back. Confucius's ideas are like many of ours today. He was a big believer in responsibility, for example. Hope I helped!

in a nutshell: be what life demands of you. You fill many roles in the course of your life and you must execute those roles 'correctly'. To your parents, be a good son or daughter, to your children be a good parent. It was THE religion of China back when the empire came about and for a long time all the emperors would make a trip to Confucius's home town in Lu (province) to lay wreaths at the shrine there.