Confucianism

 

Confucius was born to a poor but aristocratic family.  He became a teacher, traveling the country tutoring sons of nobles.  His philosophy was based on the proper role of the individual within society.  He believed in a universal law to which everyone and everything had to conform.  The family was the basic unit within society, according to Confucius.  Within the family the male was superior to the female and age was superior to youth.  Confucius believed in gentlemanly conduct.  If people lived virtuous and ethical lives, peaceful and well-run governments would result.  Confucius believed in good government and the duty of a ruler to rule