Confucianism was developed in China by Master Kong in 551-479 BC, who was given

the name Confucius by Jesuit missionaries who were visiting there. However, the fundamental

principles of Confucianism began before his birth, during the Zhou Dynasty. Confucius believed

his philosophy was also a route toward a civil society. However, he shifted attention away from

ruling authorities, the divine or one's future after death, focusing instead on the importance of

daily life and human interactions. This new, refined version of the philosophy did not completely

take root until the next dynasty, the Han (140-87 BC). It is the Confucianism that many people

are familiar with today.

Confucius was the recognized “founder” of Confucianism. He is believed to have lived

from c. 551 to c. 479 BCE in the state of Lu (now Shandong or Shantung). He was a Chinese

philosopher, teacher and political figure. Confucius traveled a lot in China and came back to his

hometown, establishing a school. His school taught the children of ancient beliefs and morals.

He calls himself a transmitter rather than a creator. As a philosopher, he focused on the study of

daily living which resulted to Confucianism.

Confucianism is a long standing philosophy and tradition legacy that stretches in East Asia,

from China all the way to Vietnam. It has deep influences in social relationships, political

ideologies, rituals, education and historical interpretation. The main elements of Confucianism are

promoting harmony amidst change, familial relationships and ethical responsibilities, obedience

to those who are honorable in power, the significance of education and history; and it’s role on

how it shapes worldviews and lastly the importance of a honorable government. The ethical

philosophy is cosmological in nature, where it relies on the context of heaven, earth and humans,

where somehow they are all related and interconnected and thus calls for our ethical practices.
Confucianism highly emphasize on the common good and stresses on cooperative group, that

everyone must strive for a common goal.

Confucianism is practiced in China, Hongkong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and

Taiwan. It is mainly practiced in Eastern Asia, but is sporadically practiced by individuals in

other parts of the world. In, North America, about 26,000 people represent and practice

Confucianism. Globally, it is estimated that about 6,300,000 people follow Confucianism as of

today.