Discussion forum

Asian philosophy that has influence in United s: Confucianism American society may think of itself as purely western in orientation but is in fact influenced by various cultures including Asian philosophy. In fact, the American belief to always strive to become better is Asian philosophy in origin particularly Confucianism. Also the American belief of not doing the others if we do not want it to be done to us is Confucius’ Golden Rule which is patently Asian in origin particularly China.
Confucianism is a moral philosophy espoused by the teachings of Confucius. While it have originated in the East, particularly China, its influences can be found in many societies of the world including United States. Confucius lived 2, 500 years ago in Lu, a small state in Eastern China. During this time, China was riddled with political strife and confusion during the reign of Zhou dynasty by which it prompted him to develop his doctrine/philosophy of Confucianism on how to create a society that is founded on harmony and balance of which his political environment is devoid. After the died at the of 73, his teachings spread throughout China and its influence still storngly revererates until today.
Confucianism as a philosophy and social ethic encourages a lifetime pursuit of moral excellence or to become better founded on the belief that everyone possesses the inherent capability to develop into an autonomous and self-governing person by developing the Ren.
Ren is being perfected or inculcated through practice which is facilitated by Li or the process of cultivating one’s goodness. Confucius also cited the Golden Rule or the law that states to treat everybody the way we want to be treated as one of the mechanism that promotes virtue in the indivdual and society as well. The practice of the Golden Rule benefits everyone and such provides the necessary environment to cultivate the Ren.