Education in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty

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The Zhou Dynasty is traditionally divided into two periods:the Western Zhou and the Eastern Zhou.From the beginning of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty to the unification by Qin，China was marked by disunity and continuous conflicts.Historically，this is recorded as two periods：the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.The Eastern Zhou witnessed an unprecedented era of cultural prosperity.It was known as the golden age of Chinese philosophy and the Contention of a Hundred Schools of Thought.This period saw the rise of numerous Chinese philosophers and academics.

The main schools of the two periods had many divisions.Some people believe that there were six schools called“Liu Jia”，while others believe there were nine schools called“Jiu Liu”.“Liu Jia”is Ru（Confucianism），Mo（Mohism），Ming（Mingism or Dialecticianism），Fa（Legalism），Yin-Yang，and Dao De（Taoism）.“Jiu Liu”is Ru，Mo，Ming，Fa，Yin-Yang，and Dao De plus Zong Heng，Nong（Agriculture），and Za.

Among them，Confucianism influenced Chinese education most，and Legalism did in a special way.

The Educational Thought of Confucius

Confucius was born in the State of Lu.Throughout China，he had more than three thousand students.He was the founder of Confucianism as well as private schools.Confucius was highly respected，with his main ideology being“Ren”（仁，humanity）.

Confucius’main educational thoughts were to teach students according to their aptitude，to treat students equally，and to inspire thinking.He also believed that attitude and learning environment were very important.Through dialogue Confucius taught six classical arts:rites，music，archery，riding，writing and arithmetic.The teaching material he used included The Book of Songs，The Book of Changes，The Record of Rites，The Classic of Music，The Book of History，and The Spring and Autumn Annals.

In terms of teaching，Confucius derived some wisdom from personal experience.He believed that a teacher must keep learning，keep teaching，never feel weary，and practice old things in addition to learning new ones.The teacher and the student must learn from each other.

He said，“If three men are walking together，there is one who can be my teacher”，and”The young should be regarded with awe.How do we know the next generation will not surpass the present？”.Confucius’s ideas influenced China’s education for years to come.