By Vickie Chao 1 In the long history of China, there is one dominant school of thought that Chinese have followed closely for more than 2,000 years. That school of thought was established by (551 B.C. - 479 B.C.), the most respected teacher and philosopher in China. 2 was born during an era of chaos. At the time, the emperor of the Eastern Zhou dynasty became a mere figurehead. He did not have full control of the country. Instead, he was like a puppet domineered by hundreds of warlords. These military powerhouses spilt China into smaller states and fought among themselves endlessly. The on-going wars put the society in disarray. Moral values were low. Divides between rich and poor were wide. And crime rates were high. Historians call this chaotic time the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C. - 476 B.C.) 3 It was against this backdrop that formed his philosophy and set out to publicize it. 4 believed "ren" ( ) is the highest attainable level in ethics that people must strive to achieve. The word "ren" means "benevolence," "humanity," or "kindness" in Chinese. To practice "ren," encouraged his followers to love others, to honor one's parents, to adore one's siblings, and to do what is right. He had extensive conversations with his students on this topic. One time, a disciple asked if there is a word a person can use as a rule of conduct; replied, "Reciprocity." He then explained, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." This seemingly simple verse underlies the core meaning of "ren." 5 Throughout ' lifetime, he was looking for an opportunity to put his theories to the test. He first tried as a civil servant. But that did not really work out. Most of the positions held were minor, low-ranking ones. Then a big break came when he was in his fifties. was promoted to be the Minister of Crime in his home state, Lu. He introduced many reforms. He carried out justice fairly. And he managed to lower the crime rate. Unfortunately, that success was short-lived. Quickly, the ruler of Lu lost interest in governing. He began to spend more of his time playing around. tried to counsel the ruler of Lu, but his advice was ignored. Frustrated, resigned from the post and left the state of Lu. 6 Accompanied by his disciples, traveled from one state to another to advocate his philosophy. The wandering led to no fruitful result. He never came across another opportunity to put his theories to the test. After being on the road for 14 years www.edhelperblog.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?formmode=rc42_4_1&quick=1 1/5
(some said 13 years), returned to his home state. He dedicated the rest of his life to teaching and editing historical texts. was a kind teacher. He taught everybody with the same enthusiasm. He selected five ancient Chinese literatures for his students to study. He called the collection the "Five Classics." died at the age of 72. 7 After passed away, his students published a book recording their master's wisdom and ideology. That book became known as Lun Yu or Analects. 8 Though never got to realize his ideas in full swing during his lifetime, his philosophy turned mainstream 200 years later. The emperor from the Western Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 8 A.D.) canonized Confucianism (Confucian's school of thought) as the official doctrine. Ever since then, Confucianism has become the standard of ethics. Lun Yu has become the must-read book. 9 Many people think Confucianism is a religion. They are wrong. Confucianism is actually a set of behavioral and moral guidelines. Its ultimate goal is to make people understand, embrace, and practice "ren." 10 is a very important figure in Chinese history. To bestow him the deepest respect, Chinese don't refer to by his birth name, Kong Qiu. Instead, they call him Kong Zi or Kong Fu Zi, meaning "Master Kong" in Chinese. That reverent title later took on a Latin form and became known as to people living outside of China. Copyright 2013 edhelper www.edhelperblog.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?formmode=rc42_4_1&quick=1 2/5
Name Date 1. What period was from? The Summer and Autumn Period The Summer and Winter Period The Spring and Summer Period The Spring and Autumn Period 3. What is ' birth name? Kong Qiu Kong Zi Kong Fu Zi 5. never saw his ideology being adopted as the official doctrine during his lifetime. 7. Which dynasty was the first to canonize Confucianism as the official doctrine? The Eastern Han dynasty The Ming dynasty The Western Han dynasty The Tang dynasty 2. China was not a unified country during the time lived. There were hundreds of warlords dividing China into smaller states. 4. Which of the following is not a meaning of "ren"? Kind Selfish Humanity Benevolence 6. wrote the book Lun Yu (or Analects) to advocate his philosophy. 8. What was ' last political position before he left to travel around China? The Minister of Internal Affairs The Minister of Crime The Minister of Defense The Minister of Finance www.edhelperblog.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?formmode=rc42_4_1&quick=1 3/5
Name Date 9. Which of the following about is correct? His home state was the state of Chu. He created a religion called Confucianism. He was born during a peaceful time. He was a great teacher. 10. How many years did travel around China to advocate his school of thought? 8 10 20 14 www.edhelperblog.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?formmode=rc42_4_1&quick=1 4/5
- Answer Key 1 The Spring and Autumn Period 2 3 Kong Qiu 4 Selfish 5 6 7 The Western Han dynasty 8 The Minister of Crime 9 He was a great teacher. 10 14 www.edhelperblog.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?formmode=rc42_4_1&quick=1 5/5