- Cultivating personal morality: Confucius emphasized the importance of personal virtue and self-cultivation as the foundation for social harmony. He believed that individuals should strive to live in accordance with the principles of ren (benevolence), yi (righteousness), li (propriety), and zhi (wisdom).
- Establishing proper relationships: Confucius also emphasized the importance of proper relationships between individuals, families, and the state. He believed that each individual had their proper role and responsibility within society and that harmony could be achieved when everyone fulfilled their roles according to filial piety, respect for elders, loyalty, and faithfulness.
- Ethical leadership: Confucius believed that good government depended on ethical leadership. He advocated for rulers and leaders to set an example of moral behavior and to exercise their authority with benevolence, justice, and wisdom. He emphasized that leaders should prioritize the welfare of their people and seek to create a society where everyone could live in peace and prosperity.
- Education: Confucius considered education to be essential for promoting moral values and social harmony. He believed that through education, individuals could learn the principles of proper behavior and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute positively to society. He established schools to teach his ideas and promoted the importance of lifelong learning.
- Ceremony and ritual: Confucius also placed importance on ceremonies and rituals as means of maintaining social order and promoting harmony. He believed that rituals helped to reinforce the proper roles and responsibilities of individuals within society and provided a sense of stability and continuity.
