Confucianism

The overall goal of Confucian philosophy is to teach people to be self-motivated, self-controlled, and able to assume responsibilities.

The Confucian system is based on several principles:

1. In the beginning, there is nothing.
2. The Great Ultimate (Tao) exists in the I (change). The Great Ultimate is the cause of change, and generates 2 primary forms: The Great "Yang" (energy), and The Great "Yin" (passive force).
3. The dynamic tension between Yin and Yang forces result in an endless process of change.
4. Human nature is inherently good. If a human being goes along with The Great Ultimate, and engages in rigorous self-discipline, then that person will discover the real self (nature of Tao).
5. Four principles of change:
   • change is easy.
   • change is a transforming process.
   • change carries with it the notion of changelessness; that there is change is a fact that is itself unchanging.
   • the best transformation promotes the growth and development of the individual and the whole simultaneously.
6. Any search for change should consider the following:
   • the status of the object in the interdependent network.
   • timing within the interrelated network.
   • the mean position (Golden Path) in the interrelated network situation. Tao (truth) exists in the mean (chung).
   • the respondence of Yin and Yang forces.
   • the integration between the parts and the whole.
7. The whole is dependent on the harmonious integration of all the parts, while the parts require the nurture of the whole. One's humanity is achieved only with and through others.
8. Organizational effectiveness and efficiency are reached when interconnected individuals find the truth and stay with it.

The principles of Confucian social transformation are drawn from the I Ching, The Great Learning, Confucian Analects, and The Doctrine of the Mean.