Confucius and Confucianism

Sal gives an overview of teachings of Confucius and its impact on Chinese culture.

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[kadesmith]

That moment when you realize that Uncle Iroh isn't just from a cartoon

[ψιλόςκύβη]

This is a great intro, don't get me wrong, but where is the part where you talk about what Confucianism is actually about? Needs a second part with more in-depth discussion of the sources. Confucianism is often misunderstood and misused by China's modern rulers.

[kkikk]

i like your video and the way you teach, it help build my knowledge of Ancient Chinese Philosophy for my presentation and myself

[vtron]

Confucius once said that making a mistake and not correcting it is making another mistake I love your classes

[FauzanAmjad]

I'm currently studying Confucius and many other notable religious founders in my World History AP class. This really helped.

[andreygeorgiev]

Yesterday I watched your linear algebra videos and now I'm watching this. You truly are a polymath.

[bouttagetreal]

One of the greatest teachers ever… talking about one of the greatest teachers ever. Keep up the good work Khan Academy!

[ruththompson]

one of the videos for learning the best way of learning online, you really explain what I need to know and learn for my class.

[joepup]

What a missed opportunity for Khan Academy, a company that is founded on the ideal of free, lifelong education for all!! For Confucianism is in fact rooted in the ideal of universal education. Confucius said it himself: "By nature, we are all basically alike. It is learning and practice that set us apart." "When people are educated, barriers between the classes disappear...If the children of kings and emperors lack quality, they should be demoted to the level of the peasants. And if the children of peasants have quality, they should be elevated to the ranks of the rulers." For Confucius, one's station in life was created through learning; one did not inherit one's status. To his credit, Sal notes that Confucius shunned laws and punishments, favoring the example of the learned and the enlightened to gently lead the way. Well, how do you get these people? Through learning! For Confucius (Kong-zi), the true scholar is humble and knows what he does not know (as Khan noted in the previous video)--sound advice for some of our leaders today! And because one is humble, one is prepared to learn from just about anyone: "Three people walking, one is my future teacher." So there is a strong sense of _populism_ in Confucian thought, in that even the greatest scholars can (and must) learn from the humblest people. More important: ANYONE who wants to can raise his station in his life through EDUCATION. Anyone. And Confucius put his money where his mouth was, as he was the first to enroll poor kids free of charge in his Academy in the State of Lu. This principle of equal access to education is not even a reality in many parts of the US today (an issue that Khan Academy is working to ameliorate). And up to the last century, you had the caste system in India and a strict class-based society in Europe. Indeed, shows like Downton Abbey are based on the dying-out of this class-based society in the early 20th century. So, 2500 years ago, the idea that everyone could learn and improve their condition, was revolutionary. So if Khan Academy were transported 2, 500 years into the past to ancient China, it would not be out of place. For Khan and Kong-zi share so much in common. It's a shame that Sal Khan does not point this out.This is not just about ideology or lofty principles, either: Confucius has so much to say about the process of learning itself that is echoed in Khan's teaching approach: "I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand" and "If I hold up one corner and the pupil does not return the other three, I do not continue teaching." In other words, learning is not a one-way street. You have to do the problems, interact, contribute your own ideas. In fact, after providing his listeners with a bit of intuition,  Sal often asks them to stop the video and work things out. Just like Confucius would do to his disciples--explain a little, then ask them to go off and solve the problem. So, great teaching is another thing Khan-zi and Kong-zi have in common.

[andrewkovnat]

Confucius for North Korea, 2018 (Or whenever North Korea has ele- Oh, wait...).

[江炩鵑]

This is a good statement about the Ideas of Confucius.

Confucius's Utopia

The way of the Great Dao,
The world belongs to all.
Choose the virtuous and the capable,
Emphasize trustworthiness and harmony.

Therefore, people not only favor their own kin,
Not only cherish their own children;
Ensuring the elderly have a dignified end,
The strong have a purpose,
The young have growth,
The humble, widowed, orphaned, isolated, and disabled, all are cared for;
Men have their roles, women have their place.

Goods, detest being left unused,
No need to hoard for oneself;
Strength, detest being unutilized,
No need to keep to oneself.

Therefore, plans are made but not enforced,
Thieves and rebels do not arise,
Doors are left unbarred,
This is what is called "Great Harmony."

[gwang]

This vid shouldn't be titled 'Confucius and Confucianism'.
No, it should be titled 'Early Chinese Philosophies'.

[specifex]

Anyone else here from mr domkes class?

[evapaparisteidou]

The Han used legalism, too. Legalism was the core of their ideology. They covered it up with confucianism, though. Both of these systems of thought characterize China until today.

[onereal-yw]

there is no emoji which relate to Confucianism, meanwhile Buddhim ☸️ n Taoism ☯️ have owned

[uncleanunicorn]

I've come to the conclusion that Confucianism indirectly contributed to the palace intrigues that confounded several later dynasties. The problem appears to be the palace eunuchs. My understanding is that they were essentially volunteers, under the assumption that - without the ability to start families they would be selfless administrators, yet clearly this was not the case. Scheming eunuchs have been at the heart of corrupt intrigues, the An-Lushan rebellion comes to mind, as an example - dooming the Tang dynasty.
The very fact that the highest positions in the palace required a man to be a eunuch ensured they would embody the ruthless ambition they were supposed to eschew. If a man would go through that... for power in the palace... yikes.
The problem of scheming eunuchs could have been 'neutered' if a selection of older, responsible women could have been trained as palace administrators, less likely to have the same degree of ambition, and no threat to the Emperor's harem. But this was apparently unthinkable, because classical Confucianism would relegate these women to home life exclusively.

[lilybethmedinathefirstpili]

LAO TZU SAUD LET GO FOR ALL THOUGHTS INSO THAT WHY IT IS WHENEVER I STUDY IN BOOK OR VIDEOS I EASILY FORGOT IT..

[caleblott]

1:09 That comment aged like fine wine in 2021. We need a Confucius right now.

[xapemanx]

Confucius say, crowded elevator smell different to midget