Editing Three teachings (section)

== Confucianism ==
{{Main|Confucianism}}
[[Confucianism]] is a complex school of thought, sometimes also referred to as a religion, revolving around the principles of the Chinese philosopher [[Confucius]]. It was developed in the [[Spring and Autumn period]] during the [[Zhou dynasty]]. The main concepts of this philosophy include ''[[Ren (Confucianism)|ren]]'' (humaneness), ''[[Yi (philosophy)|yi]]'' (righteousness), ''[[Li (Confucianism)|li]]'' (propriety/etiquette), ''zhong'' ([[loyalty]]), and ''[[Filial piety|xiao]]'' (filial piety), along with strict adherence to social roles. This is illustrated through the five main relationships Confucius interpreted to be the core of society: ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend. In these bonds, the latter must pay respect to and serve the former, while the former is bound to care for the latter.<ref name=Craig /><ref>{{cite web|title=Confucianism|url=http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism.html|publisher=Patheos|access-date=11 February 2015}}</ref>

The following quotation is from the ''[[Analects]]'', a compilation of Confucius' sayings and teachings, written after his death by his disciples.

{{quote|"The superior man has a dignified ease without pride. The mean man has pride without a dignified ease."|Confucius, The Analects of Confucius<ref>{{cite web|title=The Analects Quotes|url=http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3320969---lunyu|access-date=12 February 2015}}</ref>}}

This quotation exemplifies Confucius' idea of the [[junzi]] ({{zh|c={{linktext|君子}}|labels=no}}) or gentleman. Originally this expression referred to "the son of a ruler", but Confucius redefined this concept to mean behaviour (in terms of ethics and values such as loyalty and righteousness) instead of mere social status.<ref name=Craig>{{cite book|last1=Craig|first1=Albert|title=The Heritage of Chinese Civilization|publisher=Pearson}}</ref>