Confucianism, also known as Confucianism or Confucianism, was founded by Confucius, initially referring to the state of etiquette, and then gradually developed into an ideological system centered on the order of benevolence, which was the most influential school in China and the mainstream consciousness in ancient China. Confucianism has exerted a profound influence on China, East Asia and even the whole world. Confucianism basically adheres to the legislative principles of "pro" and "respect", maintains "rule by courtesy", advocates "rule by virtue" and attaches importance to "rule by man". Confucianism has a great influence on feudal society and has long been regarded as orthodox by feudal rulers.
The fundamental meaning of Confucian "rule by courtesy" is "difference", even if the noble, the humble, the old and the young have their own special code of conduct. Only when aristocrats, young and old, old and young, and relatives and friends have their own rituals can we realize the ideal society of Jun Jun, minister, father, son, brother, brother, husband and wife in the eyes of Confucianism. The governance of a country depends on the stability of hierarchical order. Confucian "ceremony" is also a form of law. It takes the maintenance of patriarchal hierarchy as its core, and it will be punished by "punishment" if it violates the norms of "ceremony"
The Confucian theory of "ruling by virtue" is to advocate moral edification and education. Confucianism believes that no matter whether human nature is good or evil, people can be influenced and educated by morality. This kind of education is a psychological change, which makes people feel good and ashamed but not evil. This is the most thorough, fundamental and positive way, which is beyond the reach of legal sanctions.
The Confucian theory of "rule by man" is an idea that attaches importance to the particularity of man, his possible moral development and his sympathy, and manages his rule as a changeable "man" with complex choice initiative and ethics. From this perspective, "rule by virtue" is closely related to "rule by man". "Rule by virtue" emphasizes the process of enlightenment, while "rule by man" emphasizes the moralist himself, which is a kind of saint politics. Because Confucianism believes that "personality" has great appeal, on this basis, it has developed into extreme "rule of man" doctrine such as "governing the people for politics" and "governing the people cannot".