The Sage

Confucius was China’s most prominent ancient teacher.  He lived in Shandong Province, where I currently teach, between 551 and 479 BC. Confucius, or Kongzi as the Chinese call him, was just slightly earlier than Socrates, who lived between 469 and 369 BC.  Kongzi’s philosophy was similar to that of other great moral teachers, stressing justice, kindness to others, and righteous living. It also stressed “harmonious” relations, defined as obedience to parents and anyone else in authority.  Here, the Sage was differed from Jesus, who encouraged people to follow Him, even if it meant a break with their parents.

Confucius, or Kongzi as the Chinese call him, had no supernatural powers; and unlike Moses, he did not speak directly to God.  He was married and had lots of children. Many Chinese claim to be descended from him.  His ideas have had a profound effect on the Chinese psyche, and this has been disempowering. People obey authority here, even when it is not their interest, and the government has exploited this national trait.  Even when Communist Party members dislike the government, they view themselves as essentially powerless.

“We can do nothing,” they say.

When people believe themselves powerless, the status quo is maintained.