About two centuries ago, in an era that followed the "Hundred Schools of Thought," Confucius was born in 551 B.C.E. Born in Qufu in the Chinese state of Lu. This era was marked by social upheaval and political instability, while the once powerful Zhou dynasty was in the process of dissolution. Amid this turmoil, Confucius sought a deeper understanding of fundamental principles and a vision for a just and harmonious society.
Confucius was a bastion of traditional values and honored China's long history. For him, loyalty and honesty were not just words, but the highest guiding principles. These were embodied through ceremonial rites that not only represented external actions, but also expressed the inner attitude and respect towards the world and fellow human beings. Virtue manifested itself in these rituals by showing the way to change the world.
His teachings viewed heaven (Tian) as the source of cosmic order. Confucius believed that man was chosen by divine providence to establish a moral order on earth. This principle shaped his vision of just governance and a harmonious society.
The term "Junzi", which Confucius used to describe the "noble one", testifies to his deep insights. A Junzi strived to live virtues such as loyalty (Xiao), filial piety (Li), rites and reciprocity (Shu). This meant not only decency and education, but also the ability to recognize one's place in the world and adapt to ethical requirements.
With his passionate emphasis on loyalty and sincerity as the cornerstone of a just society, Confucius encouraged the maintenance of traditional rites and customs. He believed that the way one treats oneself holds the key to one's interaction with others. His philosophy taught that true wisdom lies in recognizing one's own ignorance and that harmony between humanity and nature is rooted in recognizing one's place in the world.