The core content of Confucius' political thought is "courtesy" and "benevolence". In the general plan of governing the country, he advocated "governing the country by virtue", which is the noblest way to govern the country. This strategy of governing the country is also called "rule by virtue" or "rule by courtesy". This strategy applies morality and politeness to the people, tightens the hierarchy, and completely divides nobles and civilians into ruled and ruled. Broke the original important boundary between nobles and civilians.

Educational thoughts:

Confucius put forward for the first time in the history of China that people's natural qualities are similar, and the differences in personality are mainly influenced by acquired education and social environment ("similar in sex, far from learning"). Therefore, everyone can be educated and everyone should be educated. He advocated "no education for all", founded private schools and enrolled more students, which broke the monopoly of slave owners and nobles on school education and expanded the scope of education to civilians, conforming to the trend of social development at that time. He advocated "learning officials" and became an official after his studies. The purpose of his education is to cultivate a political gentleman, who must have high moral quality. Therefore, Confucius emphasized that moral education must be placed in the first place in school education ("Disciples are filial when they enter, filial when they leave, sincere and trustworthy, loving the people and being kind. Learn to write if you have spare capacity ").