What are the main points of Confucianism?

Confucianism basically adheres to the legislative principles of "pro" and "respect", maintains "rule by courtesy", advocates "rule by virtue" and attaches importance to "rule by man". Confucianism has a great influence on feudal society and has long been regarded as orthodox by feudal rulers.

1. Confucian theory of "rule by courtesy"

The fundamental meaning of Confucian "rule by courtesy" is "difference", even if the noble, the humble, the old and the young have their own special code of conduct. Only when aristocrats, young and old, old and young, and relatives and friends have their own rituals can we realize the ideal society of Jun Jun, minister, father, son, brother, brother, husband and wife in the eyes of Confucianism. The governance of a country depends on the stability of hierarchical order. Confucian "ceremony" is also a form of law. It takes the maintenance of patriarchal hierarchy as its core, and it will be punished by "punishment" if it violates the norms of "ceremony"

2. Confucian theory of "rule by virtue"

The Confucian theory of "ruling by virtue" is to advocate moral edification and education. Confucianism believes that no matter whether human nature is good or evil, people can be influenced and educated by morality. This kind of education is a psychological change, which makes people feel good and ashamed but not evil. This is the most thorough, fundamental and positive way, which is beyond the reach of legal sanctions.

3. Confucian theory of "rule by man"

The Confucian theory of "rule by man" is an idea that attaches importance to the particularity of man, his possible moral development and his sympathy, and manages his rule as a changeable "man" with complex choice initiative and ethics. From this perspective, "rule by virtue" is closely related to "rule by man". "Rule by virtue" emphasizes the process of enlightenment, while "rule by man" emphasizes the moralist himself, which is a kind of saint politics. Because Confucianism believes that "personality" has great appeal, on this basis, it has developed into extreme "rule of man" doctrine such as "governing the people for politics" and "governing the people cannot".

Confucius regards "benevolence" as the highest moral principle, standard and realm. He was the first to integrate the whole moral standard and formed an ethical thought structure with "benevolence" as the core, including filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, forgiveness, courtesy, knowledge, courage, respect, tolerance, faith, sensitivity and benefit. Filial piety is the foundation of benevolence and one of the basic pillars of benevolence's ideological system.

Benevolence is the core of Confucianism, which has a great influence on the development of China's culture and society.

Significance: Since China people began to pursue modernization, the position of Confucianism in China culture has changed greatly. Everyone should have the opportunity to refer to the resources provided by Confucian tradition. China people and East Asians in particular should have this opportunity. But just like other cultural traditions, Confucian traditions belong to all mankind, so Confucian literature should be translated into various languages as much as possible and provided to everyone.

Confucianism has been embodied as a universal world outlook and outlook on life from the very beginning. In today's words, China's ancient Confucianism is understood as the core of human civilization. Therefore, at least in China, Confucianism is regarded as an inseparable part of civilization or culture. Confucianism provides rich resources for modern people. Faced with these resources, modern people have the freedom to choose. They can absorb some components in the resources or discard some components. Confucianism is the core of traditional culture in China, and it is also the theoretical basis for maintaining the autocratic rule of feudal monarchs. Confucianism and absolute monarchy constitute the two main contents of China's ancient political history.

But no matter what choice you make, Confucianism belongs to the treasure house of cultural heritage of all mankind. As a scholar who is interested in Confucianism, it is an important task for us to preserve and explain Confucian literature and enhance people's understanding of Confucian literature. No matter how you evaluate Confucianism, understanding this extremely colorful tradition will definitely enrich your life.