#  Confucianism 

 



The Confucian tradition emphasizes the importance of following inherited rites (*li*) in a conscientious manner so that one can fully activate his or her humanity (*ren*) and thereby realize the Way (*dao*) of Heaven (*tian*). Major figures include Confucius (551-479 BCE), who first elucidated the main tenets of the faith, and Zhu Xi (1130-1200 CE), who grouped together the Four Books (the *Analects*, *Book of Mencius*, *Great Learning* and *Doctrine of the Mean*) as the central texts for Confucian education. Today, although very few people identify themselves as Confucians, the tradition continues to profoundly influence East Asian values and behavior.