Confucius Flashcards
When and where was Confucius born?
Confucius was born around 551 BCE in the state of Lu, in modern-day Shandong Province, China.
What kind of family background did Confucius come from?
Confucius came from a lower noble family that had fallen into poverty.
What did Confucius do for most of his life?
Confucius was a teacher and philosopher, seeking to implement his political and ethical ideas.
What philosophy is Confucius known for founding?
Confucius is known for founding Confucianism, a philosophy focused on ethics, moral integrity, and social relationships.
What is the name of the book that contains Confucius’ teachings?
Confucius’ teachings are compiled in the book called ‘The Analects’.
During which period did Confucius live?
Confucius lived during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE) of the Zhou Dynasty.
What political conditions influenced Confucius’ work?
Confucius was influenced by the political instability and fragmentation of the Zhou Dynasty, leading him to advocate for moral reform.
How did Confucius contribute to governance?
Confucius contributed to governance through his ideas of virtuous leadership and moral integrity, which influenced the civil service examination system in China.
What were the core values promoted by Confucius?
Confucius promoted values such as respect for authority, family loyalty, moral virtue, and proper social behavior (li).
What was the long-term impact of Confucius’ teachings?
Confucius’ teachings became the foundation of Chinese governance, ethics, and education for over two millennia.
How is Confucius remembered in modern times?
Confucius is remembered as a great sage, and his philosophy still influences modern Asian societies, especially through Confucius Institutes worldwide.
What challenges did Confucius face during his lifetime?
Confucius struggled to gain a stable government position and faced resistance from rulers who did not share his ideals.
Which rival schools of thought criticized Confucianism?
Confucianism was criticized by Legalism and Daoism, which saw it as impractical or rigid.
What was one of Confucius’ other talents besides philosophy?
Confucius was an accomplished musician who played the qin, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument.
What humorous fact is associated with Confucius’ life?
Confucius spent much of his life unsuccessfully seeking political appointments, earning a reputation as a persistent but often rejected job applicant.
