Confucianism Quiz: Principles of Confucius

A Chinese philosopher who lived during the 8th-5th century BCE. He believed in restoring order and harmony to society through ethical conduct and good governance.

A concept in Confucianism that refers to the Way or the correct path to achieve harmony and order in society. It emphasizes ethical conduct, good governance, and the pursuit of good.

A Confucian concept that refers to a 'gentleman' or a person of moral character. They are individuals who cultivate the Dao and strive to achieve goodness.

Confucianism envisions a society where order and harmony are achieved through ethics, good governance, and the pursuit of self-cultivation. It emphasizes social hierarchy, respect for authority, and the importance of family and community.

This quote highlights Confucius's belief that if people lived according to the Dao, there would be no need for him to tirelessly advocate for change. The Dao would naturally lead to a harmonious and just society.

this saying emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and living by the Dao. It suggests that comprehending the Way brings fulfillment and peace, even in the face of death.

Confucius believed that education was crucial for moral development and achieving a harmonious society. He emphasized learning, self-reflection, and the importance of cultivating a virtuous character.

This quote emphasizes that the Dao is not static but rather a dynamic process that is shaped by human actions and efforts. Individuals, through their moral choices, can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious society.

Wuwei is not motivated by achieving a specific outcome. Instead, it's about aligning actions with the natural order, without striving for results.

Wuwei involves dispelling self-interest, or acting without being driven by personal gain or desires.

Buddhist teachings explaining the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to liberation.

Suffering is inherent to human existence, encompassing both physical and mental pain, stemming from birth, death, and cycles of rebirth.

Cravings and desires, particularly self-centered ones, are the primary cause of suffering.

Extinguishing cravings and desires leads to liberation from suffering.

A path to liberation from suffering, outlined as eight steps: right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Buddhist concept advocating for balance, avoiding both self-indulgence and self-denial.

Core elements of Buddhist faith: Buddha (awakened one), Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community)

The most widely worshipped Buddha in Buddhism, known for his infinite light and splendor, and his boundless life.

The most influential Bodhisattva in Buddhism, known for his infinite passion and his role in bringing salvation to humankind. Also known as the goddess of mercy.

The most popular form of Devotional Buddhism, focusing on the idea of achieving rebirth in the Pure Land, a paradise ruled by Amitabha Buddha.

A form of Buddhism emphasizing meditation, cultivating self-awareness, and realizing one's true nature to attain Buddhahood.

The inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within every being.

A sudden realization of one's Buddha Nature, leading to instantaneous enlightenment, contrasting with Gradual Enlightenment.

Non-sensical questions or riddles used in Chan Buddhism to push students to the limit and help them realize emptiness.

The unification of China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC, led by King Ying Zheng (Shi Huangdi), establishing a single kingdom, unifying the writing system, currency, and other key aspects.

The first emperor of China, who unified all six rivaling states and established the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC.

A concept in Daoism, advocating for effortless action, aligning with the natural flow of the Dao, rather than acting against it.

Humanity, benevolence, or virtue that stems from kinship and familial relationships. It is a fundamental concept in Confucianism, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and social harmony.

Ritual propriety, etiquette, or social norms that guide proper behavior and interaction in Confucianism. It emphasizes social harmony and maintaining order through adherence to established customs.

The Way, a fundamental concept in Daoism, encompassing an inherent order, natural principle, and the underlying force that guides all existence.

Virtue, power, or capacity in Daoism. It refers to the inherent quality or potential possessed by all things based on the Dao, representing their individual abilities and contributions.

A key concept in Daoism, signifying the emptiness or formlessness that underpins the Dao. It is not a lack, but an infinite potential and capacity that transcends definition.

A central principle in Daoism, emphasizing living in accordance with nature, spontaneity, and authenticity, rejecting artificiality and pretense.

In Daoism, Qi represents the fundamental energy that permeates all things. It is the source of creation and vital for life, flowing and transforming constantly.

Two complementary and opposing forces in Daoism, representing the interplay of feminine and masculine, darkness and light, and stillness and movement. They are interconnected and necessary for balance and harmony.

Daoism emphasizes naturalness, spontaneity, and the underlying order of the Dao, rejecting imposed ethical systems. Confucianism focuses on social order, virtue, and rituals, emphasizing family relationships and the importance of ethical conduct.

A Junzi is an ideal individual who cultivates themselves through continuous learning and ethical development, seeking to embody the Way (Dao) and create harmony.

A Junzi's education encompasses comprehensive learning, including Li Rites, music, archery, charioteering, writing, arithmetic, and the Six Classics.

Li functions as a regulative and constitutive force, organizing social interaction, setting boundaries for acceptable behavior, and shaping individuals into ethical beings.

Ren, characterized by empathy and care for others, finds its proper expression through Li, which provides the framework for ethical conduct and social interaction.

Learning is a lifelong journey of ethical self-cultivation, expanding one's knowledge and understanding, and aligning oneself with the principles of Li and Ren.

The metaphor of the Dao, a universal principle of order and harmony, underscores the Junzi's pursuit of ethical development and their role in creating and maintaining harmony.

Li establishes the framework for proper conduct and social order, while Ren embodies the compassionate and caring heart, both essential for cultivating a harmonious and virtuous individual.

Bo wen yue li emphasizes the comprehensive cultivation of both knowledge (wen) and ethical conduct (li) as essential for the development of a Junzi.

To truly embody Ren, one must engage in critical self-reflection and cultivate self-discipline to ensure their actions align with their intentions and values.

By embodying Ren, the Junzi fosters an environment of care and respect, encouraging others to embrace their own potential for good and develop their own virtues.

This saying highlights the fundamental principle of empathy and compassion that underpins Ren. It encourages treating others how you would want to be treated.

An ancient network of trade routes connecting China to the West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.

A later form of the Silk Road using sea routes for trade, becoming more popular after the 13th century.

A modern Chinese policy aimed at reviving economic cooperation and connectivity between China and other countries, building on the Silk Road legacy.

A powerful Chinese dynasty (618-907 AD) known for its cultural flourishing and economic prosperity.

The cultural openness and exchange that characterized the Tang dynasty, attracting traders, scholars, and missionaries from different parts of Asia.

The two imperial capitals of the Tang dynasty, centers of cosmopolitan living and cultural exchange.

A system in China for recruiting government officials based on their knowledge of Confucian classics, used for centuries.

The core texts of Confucianism, including the Analects, the Book of Mencius, the Great Learning, and the Doctrine of the Mean.

A powerful Tang dynasty empress known for her political strength and influence.

The Chinese term for the Civil Service Examination system.

A period in Chinese history (1839-1949) marked by foreign influence, invasions, and internal instability.

The last imperial dynasty of China, established by the Manchu people in 1644.

A term used by European powers to refer to the potential economic benefits of trading with China.

A period of cultural and intellectual change in Europe that led to scientific advancements and new ideas.

A famous Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India and brought back Buddhist scriptures to China.

A military academy established by Sun Yat-sen in Guangzhou, China, to train officers for the Kuomintang (KMT) army.

A political ideology advocated by Sun Yat-sen, aiming for national unity, democracy, and people's livelihood. These principles aimed to replace the Qing dynasty with a modern republic.

The five branches of government established by Chiang Kai-shek, encompassing Executive, Legislative, Judicial, Examination, and Control branches.

The period between 1928 and 1937 witnessed significant progress in China's modernization under Chiang Kai-shek, marked by economic growth, education reform, and a sense of national unity.

An incident in 1937, when Japanese forces clashed with Chinese troops near the Marco Polo Bridge, igniting the Second Sino-Japanese War. It triggered the large-scale fighting between China and Japan.

The strong sense of patriotism and national identity that arose among the Chinese people during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It united the nation against the Japanese invasion.

Political parties inspired by the principles of Lenin, advocating for a centralized and authoritarian form of socialism.

The global effort to spread communist ideology and establish communist governments, starting with the October Revolution in Russia.

A strategic retreat undertaken by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from 1934 to 1936, covering a vast distance across China to escape the KMT's encirclement and capture.

The principal leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the founding father of the People's Republic of China. His revolutionary ideology and strategic thinking transformed the nation's political landscape.

A book written by Edgar Snow, providing a firsthand account of the Chinese Communist Revolution and Mao Zedong's rise to power.

The communist China established in 1949, founded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under the leadership of Mao Zedong.

A nationalist and intellectual movement in China during the 1910s, marked by anti-imperialist sentiment and a quest for national revival.

The Bolshevik Revolution that overthrew the Tsarist regime in Russia in 1917, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union. This revolution inspired many communist movements worldwide.

The cost advantage a company gains by increasing its production volume. Larger production leads to lower per-unit costs.

Improving skills and efficiency through repeated practice and experience.

China's vast size provides advantages like economies of scale, learning-by-doing, and a large population with potential for talent.

China's large landmass insulates it from external economic shocks. Its internal economy is strong enough to be relatively unaffected by global fluctuations.

China has a high national savings rate, providing funds for investment and economic development.

While household income and the middle class are growing, household consumption as a proportion of GDP has been declining, indicating potential challenges to economic growth.

China's declining birth rate and aging population may lead to labor shortages. This can be mitigated by moving workers from rural to urban areas and potentially delaying retirement.

China's economy has demonstrated resilience, remaining stable despite external challenges.

Confucianism, with its emphasis on tradition and respect for elders, might have indirectly hindered scientific progress by promoting conformity and discouraging questioning.

Daoists view nature with awe and seek to live in harmony with it, rather than dominate or analyze it, potentially impacting their approach to scientific inquiry.

A political and economic ideology that combines socialist principles with Chinese cultural and social values.

The stage in which a socialist country is still developing its productive forces and economic infrastructure.

The gap between the growing material needs of the people and the limitations of backward socialist production.

The first war between China and Great Britain in the late 1830s, sparked by trade disputes and British opium smuggling. China's defeat marked the beginning of a century of national humiliation.

A series of student-led protests in Beijing in 1989 demanding democracy and government reform.

Deng's 1992 tour of southern China, where he encouraged economic reforms and opening up.

A principle used to govern Hong Kong and Macau, allowing them to maintain their existing systems while being part of China.

A violent, anti-foreign movement in China in 1900, led by the 'Boxers' who targeted foreign missionaries and their Chinese converts. This rebellion, while failing, reflected the deep anti-imperialist sentiment in China.

After the Boxer Rebellion, eight major powers and three European nations occupied and controlled portions of China, further strengthening foreign influence in the country.

China's transformation from a poor agrarian economy to a major world power.

China's total GDP divided by its population, measuring the average income per person.

A derogatory term used by Western powers to describe China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting its weakness and vulnerability.

A successful revolution in 1911 that overthrew the Qing dynasty, marking a new era in China's history. It aimed to overthrow the Manchu rule and establish a new republic.

The transition from the West (US and Europe) to East Asia (especially China) in terms of economic influence.

East Asia is becoming increasingly interconnected as an independent economic region.

A rallying cry used by Chinese nationalists and revolutionaries in the early 20th century, emphasizing the need to restore China's strength and sovereignty after the Century of Humiliation.

A period of reform in China during the 19th and early 20th centuries, focused on adopting Western technology and institutions to modernize the country.

The proportion of national income that isn't spent on consumption but saved.

The increasing proportion of older people in China's population.

An important part of the Westernization Movement, this initiative focused on strengthening China's military and industrial capabilities.

A traditional Chinese belief that China was the center of the world, a superior civilization, and a divinely ordained empire.

China's GDP accounted for a large share of global GDP in 1820, indicating its economic dominance.

Treaties imposed on China by Western powers during the 19th century, often granting them unfair trading advantages and territorial concessions. These treaties reflected the power imbalance between China and the West.

China's GDP per capita was extremely low in 1949, reflecting its poverty and backwardness.

China's economy is expected to catch up to the US in terms of total GDP by around 2030.

Modernization in China represented a broader process of change toward industrialization and advanced technology, while Westernization specifically focused on adopting Western ideas, institutions, and practices.

A central goal of China's modernization effort, aiming to not only adopt Western advancements but also to eventually surpass Western nations in its economic and technological development.

The Opium Wars and subsequent conflicts highlighted the clash between China's traditional worldview and Western concepts of international trade, diplomacy, and power.

A complex and challenging process of transformation that China has undergone over the past two centuries, involving internal reforms, external pressures, and a long journey toward industrialization and global influence.

For Marx, the democratic rights offered by capitalism (like freedom of speech, press, assembly) were merely illusions, not genuine freedoms.

Lenin believed a proletariat dictatorship was impossible because workers lacked the collective consciousness needed to implement communism.

Any communist country is inherently a 'party-state,' where the ruling party controls both the government and the state.

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) became a revolutionary party, similar to Lenin's model, after receiving support from the Soviet Union in 1926.

The Communist Party's founding of the state in 1949 brought about a centralized political authority unlike any seen in China's history.

China's first five-year plan, launched in 1953, aimed for socialist development, with achievements including increased education and industrial growth.

Mao Zedong's initiative, replacing Soviet-style modernization, aimed for rapid economic growth from 1957-1960, but caused widespread famine.

Stalin's death and criticism by Khrushchev led Mao to believe China could achieve communism faster than Russia. He also lost faith in intellectuals after the anti-rightist campaign.

Mao encouraged criticism of the party, expecting praise for his leadership, but was met with widespread criticism of Chinese socialism.

The Great Leap Forward, driven by Mao's emotions, was an anti-intellectual movement that led to economic chaos and widespread famine.

Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping had to deal with the disastrous consequences of the Great Leap Forward, with Liu becoming president in 1959.

A decade-long catastrophe in China (1966-1976) aimed at purging 'revisionists' and re-establishing Mao Zedong's authority, causing immense damage.

After Mao's death, Deng Xiaoping shifted the focus to socialist modernization, opening China to the world and introducing market reforms.

Deng Xiaoping promoted modernization in technology, agriculture, industry, and defense, while upholding communist principles of socialism, leadership, dictatorship, and Marxism.

Deng's right-hand man, Hu Yaobang, was forced to resign after a crackdown on student protests, representing a setback to socialist modernization.

Focused primarily on military and material production, spanning from 1874-1893. This stage aimed to strengthen the Qing Dynasty through industrial advancements, particularly in weaponry and infrastructure.

Initiated due to the failure of the first stage, marked by the crushing of the Qing Dynasty by Japan in the First Sino-Japanese War. It aimed at comprehensive reform and modernization, driven by individuals like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao.

A period of rapid reforms lasting 100 days (April-August 1898), implemented by the Guangxu Emperor with support from Westernized intellectuals. It included abolishing the eight-legged essays and establishing educational institutions.

A powerful conservative figure who opposed the Hundred Days Reform and ultimately led to its demise. She held significant influence over the Qing court.

Though ultimately unsuccessful, the reform set the stage for a shift from traditional Chinese classics to science. It also inspired many capable Qing officials to continue implementing reforms.

The prominent figure who spearheaded the shift from traditional academics to science after the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912.

An international coalition formed in 1900 to suppress the Boxer Rebellion and intervene in China. It resulted in the Boxer Protocol, another unequal treaty.

The fourth modernization movement in China, leading to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. It marked the end of imperial rule.

The first president of the Republic of China, who attempted to restore a monarchical system. He was ultimately unsuccessful.

A period of instability and conflict in China, spanning from 1916 to 1928, characterized by fragmentation and power struggles between various warlords.

A short-lived national government that held power in China during the Warlord Era. It was characterized by internal division and limited effectiveness.

A set of demands made by Japan on China in 1915, aiming to expand Japanese control and influence. They were met with strong resistance from the Chinese people.

A military campaign launched by the Kuomintang (KMT) led by Chiang Kai-shek in 1926 aimed at unifying China under the KMT's control.