Explore the complete collection of Confucianism guides on Oriens. From the Analects and Mencius to core concepts like ren, li, xiao, and the junzi, discover the ethical wisdom of the Confucian tradition. These guides offer sourced, clear explanations of Confucian philosophy, ethics, and classical texts.
The Zhongyong (中庸, Doctrine of the Mean) is a Confucian text preserved as chapter 31 of the Book of Rites and later cano
Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. The Confucian statement of universal ethical reciprocity. It
The noble person, exemplary person. The Confucian ideal of moral character — one who cultivates virtue, leads by example
Humaneness, benevolence, the cardinal Confucian virtue. The quality of being fully human in relationship with others — l
Ritual propriety, rites, ceremony. The body of social norms, rituals, and customs that cultivate virtue and maintain soc
Mencius's doctrine that human nature is inherently good. People are born with the Four Seeds of virtue (ren, yi, li, zhi
Reciprocity, empathy. The Confucian virtue of using one's own heart as a measure for how to treat others — the practical
Confucius (551–479 BCE), known in Chinese as Kongzi (孔子) or Kong Qiu, was a Chinese philosopher, educator, and political
Filial piety, respect for parents and ancestors. The foundational Confucian virtue from which all other moral relationsh
Righteousness, moral duty, appropriateness. The Confucian virtue of doing what is morally right in every situation, rega
Wisdom, moral knowledge. The Confucian virtue of discerning right from wrong and understanding the proper course of acti
Trustworthiness, integrity, faithfulness. The Confucian virtue of being true to one's word and reliable in word and deed
A central Confucian text (one of the Four Books) and its core philosophical concept. The Mean (zhongyong) is the virtue
Mencius (孟子, Mengzi, 372–289 BCE), known as the 'Second Sage' of Confucianism, was a Chinese philosopher from the state
A Chinese Confucian philosopher (c. 310–235 BCE) whose rigorous, rationalist interpretation of Confucianism significantl
One of the Four Books (四书) of Confucianism, originally a chapter from the Book of Rites (礼记). The Great Learning present
Cheng (诚) is a central Confucian virtue meaning sincerity, truthfulness, or authenticity. In the Doctrine of the Mean (Z
Wang Yangming (1472–1529) was a Chinese philosopher, general, and statesman of the Ming dynasty. He is the most influent
A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing moral cultivation, social harmony, a
A collection of sayings and dialogues attributed to Confucius and his disciples, compiled after his death. One of the Fo
Browse all 81 guides on Confucianism. Last updated August 6, 2026.