A Critique of Confucian Morality For many centuries, Confucianism has been widely revered by the Chinese for its emphasis on morality. Confucius, who lived from 551 to 479 BC, is different from most philosophers in that he showed no interest in questioning his existence, the possibility of a God, or the reality in which he appeared to live; he instead focused on the philosophical aspect of human relationships as he believed that people should "give (themselves) earnestly to the duties due to men... (and) keep away from (spiritual beings)" (Confucius 195). By denying the metaphysical side of philosophy, he was able to devote himself to molding his disciples into an ideal gentleman who was morally righteous and capable of benefiting society. He believed in the importance of individuals knowing their role in a well-structured society, which was a feudal system. According to him, the ideal gentleman should be obedient to his elders, possess humanity and be morally just. Through his teachings he managed to reform an entire country; the Chinese discovered that Confucianism embodied practices of humanity that they could apply in their daily lives through its religion. His profound wisdom of morality and human relationships that he imparted to his disciples has been passed down and this shows how he became the most significant Chinese philosopher there was. However, from a modern, Western point of view, there are some flaws in his teachings. Confucius thought that tradition and ritual were necessary practices that should be passed down. His conservative views don't have as much resonance in the West as they do in China because of the emphasis placed on the liberal individual over someone who... middle of paper... would like. His teachings that one must obey one's parents without question, his backward views of woman, and utopian beliefs about hierarchical society contrast greatly with modern Western thought as meaning is stimulated on a social, rather than individual, level. Confucius, as a philosopher, unlike many of his Western colleagues, was unable to develop and promote the innovation of a nation. His method of imparting knowledge from a superior-inferior relationship, rather than a discussion-based approach, has stifled creativity due to his conservative ways. Works Cited Confucius. The four books. Mandarin and English. Ed. E Trans. By James Legge. Beijing: Culture Book Co. 1992. Print.Jones, David, ed. Confucius Now: Contemporary Encounters with the Analects. Chicago: Open Court, 2008. 49. Print.