According to Confucius, what do good governments depend on?

Powerful military

According to Confucius, good governments depend on several key factors. Here are the steps:

1. Moral Leadership: Confucius believed that good governments must be led by virtuous leaders who possess moral character and adhere to ethical principles. These leaders serve as role models and set the right example for their subjects.

2. Filial Piety: Confucius emphasized the importance of filial piety, which refers to respect and loyalty towards one's parents and ancestors. He believed that this sense of respect towards authority figures should extend to the government as well, promoting obedience and harmony.

3. Social Harmony: Confucius stressed the significance of maintaining social order and harmony. He believed that good governments should strive to create a society where people coexist peacefully and respectfully, with each individual fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities.

4. Education: Confucius placed great emphasis on education and believed that good governments should actively promote learning and the pursuit of knowledge. He believed that education could promote personal growth, moral development, and social progress.

5. Meritocracy: Confucius advocated for a system of government based on merit rather than birth or wealth. He believed that talented and capable individuals should be selected for leadership positions, regardless of their social status, fostering a sense of fairness and equality within the government.

Overall, according to Confucius, good governments depend on virtuous leadership, filial piety, social harmony, education, and meritocracy in order to promote a just and prosperous society.

To find out the answer to your question about what Confucius believed good governments depend on, we can refer to his writings and teachings. Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and thinker who emphasized the importance of moral values and social harmony. His ideas about good governance are mainly found in his collection of teachings known as the "Analects."

Here are the steps you can follow to find Confucius's views on good governance:

1. Start by searching for the "Analects of Confucius." This is a compilation of Confucius's conversations and dialogues with his disciples, which provides insights into his philosophy.

2. Once you have found the "Analects," look for specific passages or chapters that touch upon the topic of governance or government. Confucius discusses various aspects of governance throughout the text.

3. Pay attention to Confucius's key principles, such as ren (benevolence), yi (righteousness), and li (ritual propriety), as they are integral to understanding his views on good governance. These principles guide his ideas about the roles and behaviors of leaders and citizens within a well-functioning government.

4. Look for passages that highlight the importance of virtuous rulers and how they must lead by moral example. Confucius believed that good governance depends on leaders who possess integrity, wisdom, and a genuine concern for the well-being of their people.

5. Pay attention to passages that emphasize the relationship between the ruler and the ruled. Confucius emphasized the need for a strong moral bond and mutual respect between the ruler and the subjects. He believed that if the ruler acts virtuously and the people are loyal, social harmony and effective governance will prevail.

6. Take note of Confucius's emphasis on education and the role it plays in shaping good governance. He believed that education should be widely accessible and that leaders should be well-educated to govern effectively.

By analyzing Confucius's writings in the "Analects" and paying attention to his key principles, you will gain a deeper understanding of his perspective on what good governments depend on.

http://www.globaled.org/chinaproject/confucian/reading1.html