Essay about The Great Learning and Confucian Influence

The Great Learning is a compilation of Confucian teachings used to address deeply important social behavior. Confucius used question and answer sessions to dispense his ideas to his followers. The Great Learning is an important part of Chinese history. The text, along with several other Confucius texts, has played a large role in Chinese schools of thought, some which are still used today. (Patterns 268-297) Confucius was an ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher. He is responsible for many long standing teachings about ethical and moral behavior. Confucius is thought to be born around 551 BCE in China, although there are conflicting ideas regarding his exact birth date and his family. Even though being in politics was his†¦show more content†¦Parent and child relationships were addressed and children were demanded to serve and respect their parents. Confucius stated that to regulate your government, you must first regulate your family and before you can regulate your famil y, you must regulate yourself. Self awareness and discipline were crucial to learning and to cultivate your own person to be virtuous, kind, generous and sincere. One of Confucius’ most adamant phrases was concerning reciprocity. â€Å"Do not do unto others what you would not have them do to you†, similar to the Golden Rule. Confucius’ teachings couldn’t convince everyone to be virtuous, but they did introduce some basic directions for right and wrong. (Patterns 268-297) The unrest in government during Confucius’ time and the differing schools of thought lead me to believe that he was compelled to share his vision for a perfect moral order. Legalism, Daoism and Confucianism all were introduced during the sixth century. Confucianism was contrary in particular to Legalism, which believed the state to be all-important and the people were to serve the state. Daoists were focused on finding transcendence and complete union with the Dao and believed in l ess control in reference to government. Confucius founded his teachings on goodness, kindness and sincerity. His hope was for all people to find within themselves the way to virtue. (Patterns, 272-275) (Sources, 116-117) Consistent personal review andShow MoreRelatedInfluencing Chinese International Students Academic Adjustment822 Words   |  4 PagesInfluencing Factors of Chinese International Students’ Academic Adjustment As mentioned in the introduction, this research seeks to understand Chinese students’ academic adaptation and cross-cultural learning experiences in Canadian universities. 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