Was Confucius a big influence on the culture of Ancient China?

Question

If so, how?

Answer 1

Confucious had a profound effect on chinese culture.He was born into a fuedal system of government,yet he formented the idea that the man of"superiority" was not necessarily born into it.He earned it in what can be summed up in what he called the"Three Universal Virtues" which are Wisdom, Love and Courage.

Answer 2

Yes. Even to this day culture, ethics, moral philosophy and political tradition in China are deeply influenced by Confucius' teachings. It was no coincidence that his teachings were one of the targets of the Red Guards during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Confucianism constitutes a large part of the cultural heritage of the "Asian Tigers" : China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Many economists point to the Confucian work ethic as one reason for their succes. Some historians even argue that Confucianism is to East Asia what Christianity is to Western Europe.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the use of the word 'superficial' up top there--I'd say it was profound top to bottom in creating, or at least institutionalizing a very rigid and formal social structure that exists to this day--the Communist government formerly tried suppressing it, but have now turned around and try to use the whole 'divine right of government' concept to justify themselves. So yes, profound influence in China ancient and modern!

Answer 4

His influence was mainly superficial but extensive, in practical life and politics, just like taoism. It may have helped to form a good sense of morals. Legalism is the strongest influence in Ancient China because it was very practical and ready to use by those in power. Confucianism was used as a facade to justify absolute power. In intellectual life, it's a different story, because Confucianism was the main influence there.

Answer 5

Yes he was; just as god and Jesus was to Europe and America.