Confucianism, a religion of optimistic humanism, has had a monumental impact upon the life, social structure, and political philosophy of china. the founding of the religion goes back to one man, known as confucius, born 500 years before christ. confucianism deals primarily with moral conduct and ethical living and is often categorized as an ethical system, rather than a religion. it emphasizes the earthly, not the heavenly. the doctrines of confucianism center upon