Here’s the history of Confucianism in one minute.
Confucius was born Kong Qiu during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. By tradition he was born in 551 BCE. Amidst political and social instability, Confucius developed an applied philosophy around the idea of normalcy with a focus on the concept of li (proper conduct) and the five key relationships (such as ruler-subject and parent-child). Confucianism aims to establish a harmonious and well-ordered society. He was so focused on how to live, we know almost nothing about his afterlife beliefs.
After Confucius’s death, over a few centuries, his ideas steadily gained prominence. The earliest and most influential follower of Confucius was Mencius, born in 372 BCE, about a century after Confucius passed. During these centuries, known as the Hundred Schools of Thought period, the leading philosophies of ancient China included Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, and Mohism.
Confucianism became firmly established during the Han Dynasty. This is also when Kong Qiu became Kong Fuzi (Master Kong). In 136 BCE, Confucianism was adopted as the state philosophy under Emperor Wu. This period marked its formal integration into the Chinese educational system, particularly through the civil service exams. Later scholars such as Zhongshu, born 179 BCE, played pivotal roles in solidifying Confucianism’s influence, shaping governance and social ethics in Chinese society.
Since then, Confucianism has undergone various transformations. While it evolved and merged with other philosophies and religions over centuries, its core principles have persisted. Confucius might not fully recognize modern versions of Confucianism due to these changes and the rituals associated with its practice, but the emphasis on moral behavior, social order, and virtue remains central, aligning with his original teachings.