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Confucius had served in minor government posts managing stables and keeping books for granaries.
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Date founded: 6th-5th cent. BC
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He married a woman of similar background when he was 19.
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Confucious
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Confucianism developed aspects on the model of Buddhism and Taoism and was reformulated as Neo-Confucianism.
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Feasting is central to Chinese religious practice, and most foods have a symbolic meaning and ceremonial importance. Some examples include:
•mandarin oranges are a symbol of wealth and good fortune
•Red Jujubes (also called "Chinese Dates") are a symbol of prosperity
•whole steamed fish are a symbol of long life and good fortune
•uncut noodles are a symbol of longevity
•baked goods with seeds are a symbol of fertility -
Confucius developed concepts about education, society and government
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This stance rests on the belief that human beings are teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor especially self-cultivation and self-creation
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Confucian ethical concepts and practices include rén, yì, and lǐ, and zhì. Ren is an obligation of altruism and humaneness for other individuals.
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Confucian ethics have had the strongest influence on the moral fabric of Chinese society.
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Ruler to Subject
Father to Son
Husband to Wife
Elder Brother to Younger Brother
Friend to Friend. -
Li: includes ritual, propriety, etiquette, etc
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Confucius taught that when societies operate under laws, people are punished by authorities after having committed illegal activities.
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They wish to avoid feeling shame and want to avoid losing face. In theory, the result is a reduction in the number of coercive laws required for smooth functioning of the society.
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Specific duties were prescribed to each of the participants in these sets of relationships. Such duties were also extended to the dead
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Historically, cultures and countries strongly influenced by Confucianism include mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, as well as various territories settled predominantly by Chinese people, such as Singapore
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The abolition of the examination system in 1905 marked the end of official Confucianism
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Yi: righteousness
