Confucianism
Confucianism is a system of philosophical and ethical teachings developed from the ideas of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, emphasizing morality, social harmony, and respect for family and tradition.
Confucianism developed from the teachings of Confucius, who lived in China during a politically turbulent period and emphasized moral virtue, proper conduct, and respect for social relationships as the path to a harmonious society.
Central Confucian values include filial piety, or deep respect for one's parents and ancestors, along with righteousness, propriety, and the cultivation of moral character through education and self-reflection.
Though debated as to whether it constitutes a religion or purely an ethical philosophy, Confucianism was adopted as the official state ideology during China's Han Dynasty and profoundly shaped government, education, and family life across East Asia for over two thousand years, with continuing influence in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam today.
