Confucianism

1) Is this a religion or not?  Why do you think so?

- I believe that Confucianism is not a standard religion. It's not a religion because it's only made up of ideals and beliefs, things that all religions imply in their own way. In Confucianism, it only tells people what Confucius believed from his life and experiences. These ideals and beliefs are just opinion based and they deal with life of ordinary people in societies.

2) Does this reading support the idea that people are born good/bad/neutral? Refer to three examples (using the book, section and line number as the citations) that support your point of view.

- This reading does support the idea that people are born, bad, and even neutral. However, even though some types of people are born in a certain way, outside influences can affect the development of a person. For example, Confucius talks about society and oppression. He writes, "Advance the upright and set aside the crooked, then the people will submit. Advance the crooked and set aside the upright, then the people will not submit" (Book II: Chapter XIX, Confucius). When talking about the different types of people in the world, whether they are good, bad, or neutral, Confucius always talked in a positive way, he always thought of the best circumstances. For example, he says, "I will not be afflicted at men's not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men" (Book I: Chapter XVI, Confucius). Since Confucius believed in a positive, good way, the teachings he brought to his people were long-lasting into the future. One of the most important teachings of Confucius had to do with the appearance and knowledge of people. He says, "Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue" (Book I: Chapter III, Confucius). Overall, Confucius taught to the people, (good, neutral, or bad) that anyone can change, it's just how much devotion and effort they put in.