What were the basic teachings of Confucius?

The teachings of Confucius came to have a major effect on Chinese government. The teachings became part of the basic training for members of civil service - a group of people who carry out the work of government. After the teachings of Confucius, the Chinese merit system was removed.

When it comes to his social teachings, Confucius thought that we should treat other people the way we ourselves would like to be treated; that people should respect their ancestors as well as rituals created in order to praise them; we should listen to our parents because they know more than we do about life, etc.

When it comes to his political teachings, he proposed many ideas about how a proper ruler should act - a proper ruler should be compassionate and just in order to gain the trust of his people; he should also be strong and virtuous, as to remain in his position for a long time.

When it comes to his educational teachings, he believed that school and study were of extreme importance for any human; he thought that the entire truth of the world could be found in Classic literature, and he instructed his students to read it and thing critically about what they read.