Why do you think Confucius remained conservative in his attitude towards traditional beliefs? (Not referring to the Zhou rituals)

Confucius lived at a time when there was a transition from the Spring and Autumn Period to the Warring States Period. That is, there was a critical period of development from slavery to feudalism. The original relations of production could no longer be adapted to the development of existing productive forces, therefore, reforms had to be carried out, which is the inevitable law of historical progress and development.

As productivity increased, people's ability to understand the world also increased, and some of the original obscurantist and primitive ideas were gradually abandoned, replaced by advanced ideas and theories. However, the fear of ghosts and gods, is the Confucius thought retained, "respect for ghosts and gods and far away". This reflects the fact that there are still remnants of primitive totems or primitive thoughts of worshiping mysterious things in his thought. So his attitude is still old-fashioned.

Oh, if we do not talk about the "rites and music", I feel that there is nothing to play! I hope to be able to give you some tips!

I hope this gives you some hints.