Confucianism, developed from thoughts by Confucius during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC), is an ethical and philosophical system which has become an influential part of Chinese culture. As Sept 28 marked the 2,565th birth anniversary of Confucius, let's take a look at Confucianism and its influence on people today.

Confucianism was first set up by Confucius (551–479BC) and later was developed by philosophers, including Mencius, Dong Zhongshu, Wang Yangming and others.

 Mencius

 Xun Zi

 Dong Zhongshu

 Wang Yangming

 Gu Yanwu

  and more...

 Zeng Zi

 Zi Si

 Zhu Xi

 Si Maguang

Confucian ethics is characterized by the promotion of virtues, encompassed by the Five Constants, or the Wuchang (五常): humanness, righteousness, proper rite, knowledge, and integrity. Its gentleman, or junzi, philosophy has become the standard of many Chinese people, especially intellectuals.

Humanness

Knowledge

Integrity 

After Confucianism gained a supreme position in the Han dynasty more than 2,000 years ago, its influence penetrated all walks of life and all streams of thought in Chinese society for the generations to come.

Official

In  Sept, President Xi Jinping became the first Chinese president to address an international meeting on Confucius.

Scholar

Kung Peng-cheng, a visiting professor at Peking University, has always dreamed of seeing the revival of Confucianism.

Ordinary People

The ceremony dedicated to Confucius is held annually at Confucius temples throughout China on Confucius’ Birthday.

Children

Bundled in gray robes and seated on round red cushions, dozens of children in a Wuhan classroom are chanting the old Confucian analect.

Confucianism means a lot not only to China, but also to the world. In 1988, 75 Nobel prizewinners said that if mankind is to survive it must go back 25 centuries in time to tap the wisdom of Confucius.Today, extracts from Confucianism are frequently quoted by foreign dignitaries in their speeches or talks.

People around the globe can have access to Confucius ideas in Confucius Institutes and Chinese Culture Centers abroad. The institutes and centers serve as non-profit public institutions to help foreigners better understand China through language teaching and culture introduction.

 Confucius Institutes

To date, China has opened 465 Confucius Institutes in 123 countries and regions. There are also 713 Confucius Classrooms operating in middle and primary schools.

Chinese Culture Centers

Chinese Culture Centers in Cairo, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo and Denmark, to name a few, are introducing China by opening training classes, building libraries, and holding cultural activities.