It is arguably Confucianism, not Communism, which lies at the core of China's deepest sense of self. Although reviled by Chinese intellectuals of the 1950s-1990s, who spoke of it as 'yellow silt clotting the arteries of the country', Confucianism has defied eradication, remaining a fundamental part of the nation's soul for 2500 years. And now, as China assumes greater ascendancy on the world economic stage, it is making a strong comeback as a pragmatic philosophy of personal as well as corporate transformation, popular in home, boardroom and in current political discussion. What is this complex system of ideology that stems from the teachings of a remarkable man called Confucius (Kongzi), who lived in the distant sixth century BCE? Though he left no writings of his own, the oral teachings recorded by the founder's disciples in the 'Analects' left a profound mark on later Chinese politics and governance. They outline a system of social cohesiveness dependent upon personal virtue and self-control.
For Confucius, society's harmony relied upon the appropriate behaviour of each individual within the social hierarchy; and its emphasis on practical ethics has led many to think of Confucianism as a secular philosophy rather than a religion. In this new, comprehensive introduction, Ronnie Littlejohn argues rather that Confucianism is profoundly spiritual, and must be treated as such. He offers full coverage of the tradition's sometimes neglected metaphysics, as well as its varied manifestations in education, art, literature and culture.

Ronnie L. Littlejohn is Virginia M. Chaney Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Director of Asian Studies at Belmont University, USA. His previous books include Historical Dictionary of Daoism (2020), Confucianism: An Introduction (2011), Daoism: An Introduction (2009) and Riding the Wind with Liezi: New Perspectives on the Daoist Classic (2011).

Acknowledgements
Preliminary Considerations and Conventions
Chapter I: The World into which Confucius Came
Chapter II: What Confucius Taught
Chapter III: The Formation of Classical Confucianism
Chapter IV: Confucian Ascendancy in the Han Dynasty
Chapter V: Blending Confucianism with Other Worldviews
Chapter VI: Confucianism and Challenges from a Foreign Land
Chapter VII: The Renaissance Period of Confucianism
Chapter VIII: Conversations with Master Zhu
Chapter IX: Confucianism in New Homes and New Hearts
Chapter X: The Contemporary Period
A Quick Guide to Pronunciation
Illustrations, Maps and Picture Credits
Glossary of Titles
Glossary of Names and Terms
Works Cited