1. Confucianism
Special Report
by Marta Fretheim

2. What is confusianism?
A set of ethical beliefs that were developed from the teachings of the scholar
Confucius. The philosophy is concerned with human beings, that they are
teachable, improvable and capable of becoming perfect through personal
and communal effort.
Goal: individual happiness through peace and to obtain peace, our
relationships must be based on love and duties.
Confusianism = the school of the scholars (Confucius)

3. Background/history
China experienced a transition from slavery to
feudalists and people were concerned about the
future mode of society. Several schools of
thoughts were thrieved, such as Taoist and Legist.
Confusius`s philosophy was based on reviving the
ethics of the Zhou Dynasty. Therefore brought a
series of norms to re-surface. These norms were
developed step by step into Confucianism.
It has dominated a feudal society that in essence
has lasted 2000 years and have had great
influence over the history, social structure and the
people of China.

4. Values of confucianism
Focuses on developing the virtue and ethics, the most basic
constants are:
1. Ren:
Is altruism and humanness for others. The feeling a virtues
human being gets when being altruistic.
2. Yi/zhong/shu: Is maintenance of justice and the desire to do
good.
3. Li: A set of norms. How should one act within a community?
4. Zhi: Knowledge or wisdom
5. Xin: Integrity and faithfullness

5. Examples
“Do not do to others what you do not want done to
yourself”
“When a country is well-governed, poverty and a mean condition
are things to be ashamed of. When a country is ill-governed,
riches and honour are things to be ashamed of"
"The superior man in everything considers righteousness to be essential.
He performs it according to the rules of propriety. He brings it forth in
humility. He completes it with sincerity. This is indeed a superior man"
"Without knowing the force of words, it is
impossible to know men"
"If a man in the morning hear the right way, he
may die in the evening without regret"

6. Quick facts
Quick facts Confucianism
Formed: C. 500 B.C.E
Origin: China
Followers: 5 000 000
Deity None/various gods and
ancestors
Headquarters None

7. Confucius
“The teacher of 10 000 generations”
• 551 – 479 BC
• Born into a poor but noble family.
• Original name: ka`ung Ch`iu. Married at the age of 19
and had a son and two daughters.
• A chinese teacher, editor, politician and philosopher.
He broke with the tradition and promoted the idea “to
educated all despite their social status”
• At the age of 53 he became the Minister of crime in the
state of LU. He managed to introduce some reforms
and almost eliminated crimes. This was sabbotaged by
the neighboring state as he gained a lot of power.
• In 496 BC he had to leave the country and was not
welcomed back until 482.
• Although his political career was not that successful he
was a great teacher and philosopher.

8. Confucianism and profit
Profit is not regarded immoral, though it should be in harmony with justice. He
says:
“one who, on seeing profit, thinks of righteousness, may be considered a
perfect man”
And on the other hand:
“Wealth and high station are what men desire but unless I got them in the
right way I would not remain in them”

9. Confucianism economy
“Virtue is the root – while wealth is the branch”
“If there is equal distribution there will be no poverty”
Confucianism believes that sufficient provision
of the basic needs of the people is the basis of
a good society. This would mean that economic
policy must be geared to realizing economic
equality.

10. Confucius an entrepreneur?
• Product development:
Replied to the concern about the decline in moral and ethics from the
people.
• Passionate:
Thoroughly followed his own norms and guidelines. Also very persistent,
had to flee the country.
• Implementation / power to do
Through his teaching and persistency he manage to implement his
believes. Confucianism is now widely used all over the world and in
many cultures and religions.

11. Confucianism in entrepreneurship?
• Trust:
No one wants to do business with someone who is not trust worthy or
does not follow the rules.
• Building connections:
By maintaining a high moral and by being kind and true

12. Thank you!

13. Sources:
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism