The Effects of Aryans and Confucius on Indian and Chinese Cultures and Societies
Erica Van Engen
HIST 1110
December 14, 2014 During the Vedic Age in India, and the Classical Age in China, new ideas and beliefs were beginning to shape both of these countries. Through new philosophies, both China and India were starting to form many aspects of their societies and cultures that are still around in these countries today. Confucius’ ideas and teachings had a tremendous effect on Chinese society, both in his day, and in the present. During his life, other philosophies and ideas were also spreading throughout China, some of which shared a few of the same values as his, but Confucius definitely had some distinct impacts. A lot of the more prominent of these are the effects of his views and beliefs on family. Confucius believed firmly in the family being the basis of society. He taught that every person had and should stick to his or her definitive role. According to this, younger generations should revere their elders, as should children their parents, wives their husbands, and subjects their rulers. He stressed filial piety, which is still exemplified in Chinese culture today. Young Chinese are still taught the importance of obeying and respecting their parents, ancestors, and elders. Elderly Chinese are most cared for by the younger members of their family, in acts of repayment and sacred duty. These definitive roles were included not only in Confucius’ teachings about family, but also those on the structure of society. In his ideal society, “everyone was devoted to fulfilling his or her role” (McKay, Ebry, Beck, Crowston, Wiesner-Hanks. Understanding World Societies A Brief History Volume 1: To 1600. 2012. Print. Pg. 91). Per this philosophy, people should work hard at what they do, whatever it is. This would start to pave the way for China