Dong Zhongshu — A Remarkable Contributor of Confucianism in Chinese Culture
Dong Zhongshu (179 BC — 104 BC), respected as Dong Zi or Dong Fuzi, was an accomplished philosopher, educator, and politician.
He reformed Confucianism, by absorbing ideas from other philosophical schools, into an ideology that suited the development of the Han Dynasty.
Therefore, Emperor Wudi of Han, in the year 134 BC, changed the official ideology from Taoism to Confucianism, under the suggestion of Dong Zhongshu.
This was a turning point of Chinese philosophy, since when the Confucianism had been respected as the dominant ideology for the next 2000 years in history.

Debris (Xi Ping Shi Jing) of Official Confucianism Classics Carved on Stone (175 — 183) — National Museum of China (Photo by Ayelie)
Diligent Genius Dong Zhongshu
Born into a noble and rich family, Dong Zhongshu read many books and received the best education.
When he was 30, he was already a famous, knowledgeable intellectual who had attracted many students.
Hence, Dong Zhongshu had been teaching in the imperial academy of the Han Dynasty, and assigned to be prime minister of some kings.
As an excellent master, many of his students became influential and accomplished people.
Because of his exceptional knowledge and reputation, Dong Zhongshu had been well respected by almost everyone, from those kings that he served, to his students.

Dragon Jade Pendant of the Han Dynasty, Unearthed From Tomb of King of Chu — Xuzhou Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
Presenting the Reformed Confucianism to the Emperor
In the year 134 BC, when Emperor Wudi of Han commanded to collect advanced governance ideologies, Dong Zhongshu was recommended by many officials.
He presented his ideas and suggested to nominate his reformed Confucianism as the dominant ideology of the empire, which was highly appreciated and strictly implemented by the emperor.
Dong Zhongshu then was assigned to some other political positions, but he resigned a few years later.
During his retired period, the emperor frequently consulted for his opinions on important events and showed him great respect and trust.
Besides caring about politics, Dong Zhongshu mostly focused on teaching and writing, until he passed away old and sick.

Portrait of Great Philosopher Dong Zhongshu
Main Ideas of Dong Zhongshu
Dong Zhongshu had absorbed many ideas from other philosophical schools, such as Taoism, Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory, and Legalism, and developed the 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.

Six Arts (Liu Yi) — Etiquette (Li), Music (Yue), Archery (She), Equestrianism (Yu), Calligraphy (Shu), and Mathematics (Shu).
-
Natural phenomena are reflections of humans, especially the monarch’s, behaviors; that is how heaven shows the 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.
You Might Also Like:
Confucianism and It’s Remarkable Philosophers
Confucius the Great Educator and Founder of Confucianism
Mencius the Developer of Confucianism
Controversial Confucianism Philosopher Xun Zi and His Famous Legalism Students
Zhu Xi the Remarkable Reformer of Confucianism
An Almighty General and the Founder of School of Mind — Wang Yangming
Brief, Comprehensive Introduction to Chinese History
Famous, Influential Figures in the History of China
Schools and History of Ancient Chinese Philosophy
History, Belief, and Essence of Taoism Ideology
Chinese Astrology — Three Enclosures, Four Symbols, Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions
Chivalrous, Mysterious Mohism and It’s Advanced Technology