How Did Confucius View The Class Distinctions That Existed in Chinese Society?

Updated: March 05, 2023
Confucius believed that class distinctions were natural and necessary in society. He believed that each class had a role to play in society and that everyone should know their place in society.
Detailed answer:

Confucius believed that class distinctions were natural and necessary in society. He believed that each class had a role to play in society and that everyone should know their place in society.

In fact, Confucius was born into the lower class of Chinese society, but he rose through the ranks of government, becoming the wisest man in China by age 50. When he was about 75 years old, he decided to write down his thoughts on government and society. He wrote about how people should live together peacefully and respectfully. He also wrote about how good rulers should behave and what they should do to keep their subjects happy and contented with their lives.

Philosopher believed that every person had a role to play in society and that it was up to each person to find out what his or her role was and then stick with it for life. He believed that if everyone knew what their proper place was in society, there would be less confusion, fewer arguments and fewer problems between people who belonged to different classes or lived under different governments.

Moreover, Confucius taught that there should be a hierarchical order of social classes, with the scholar-official at the top. The scholar-official was followed by the farmer and artisan classes. At the bottom of Confucius’ social order was the servant class, which included women and slaves.

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