Dong Zhongshu — A Remarkable Confucianism Reformer

Dong Zhongshu (179 BC — 104 BC), respected as Dong Zi or Dong Fuzi, was an accomplished philosopher, educator, and politician.

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He reformed Confucianism, by absorbing ideas from other philosophical schools, into an ideology that suited the development of the Han Dynasty. 

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Therefore, Emperor Wu of Han, in the year 134 BC, changed the official ideology from Taoism to Confucianism, under the suggestion of Dong Zhongshu. 

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This was a turning point in Chinese Philosophy when Confucianism had been respected as the dominant ideology for the next 2000 years in history.

Diligent Genius Dong Zhongshu

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Born into a noble and rich family, Dong Zhongshu read many books and received the best education. 

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When he was 30, he was already a famous, knowledgeable intellectual who had attracted many students.

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Hence, Dong Zhongshu had been teaching in the imperial academy of the Han Dynasty and was assigned to be the prime minister of some kings. 

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As an excellent master, many of his students became influential and accomplished people. 

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Because of his exceptional knowledge and reputation, he had been well respected by almost everyone, from those kings that he served, to his students. 

Presenting the Reformed Confucianism to the Emperor

In the year 134 BC, when Emperor Wu of Han commanded to collect of advanced governance ideologies, Dong Zhongshu was recommended by many officials.

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He presented his ideas and suggested nominating his reformed Confucianism as the dominant ideology of the empire, which was highly appreciated and strictly implemented by the emperor. 

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Dong Zhongshu then was assigned to some other political positions, but he resigned a few years later. 

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During his retirement period, the emperor frequently consulted for his opinions on important events and showed him great respect and trust. 

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Besides caring about politics, Dong mostly focused on teaching and writing, until he passed away old and sick.

Main Beliefs of Dong Zhongshu

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Dong Zhongshu absorbed many ideas from other philosophical schools, such as Taoism, Yin Yang and Five Elements, and Legalism, and developed Confucianism into an ideology that was more appreciated and suitable for the ruling class of a strong, unified feudal empire.  

• Great Unity is the foundation of the stability of a huge empire.

That includes a centralized political system, a nationwide and dominant ideology, and well-established laws and moral standards.

• Confucianism is the best ideology for the Han Empire. 

Therefore, the government should establish a national college that only teaches the Six Arts of Confucianism, and then select officials among excellent students of this school.

• Natural phenomena are reflections of humans, especially the monarch’s, behaviors; that is how heaven shows will and judgment. 

Therefore, if emperors failed to do a good job, they would be alerted by heaven through unpleasant natural phenomena. If they didn’t improve and change after seeing those signs, they would lose their crown in the end. 

• Powerful clans should be limited by the central government, so the gap between rich and poor would be decreased. That way, civilians’ well-being could be better protected. 

• Benevolence cultivation is an essential aspect of a stable society, in which law and strict penalties should only serve as supplementary means in governance.