Confucius

It is not as much as a religion as much it is a guidebook or a how to live a virtuous life. There is no specific mention of a deity in the book. It contains advice, given through philosophers to people asking questions in a Q & A sort of fashion. The advice is what can help people become good. The reading though supports the idea that humans are flawed but not necessarily bad. “He who aims to be a man of complete virtue in his food does not seek to gratify his appetite, nor in his dwelling place does he seek the appliances of ease; he is earnest in what he is doing, and careful in his speech; he frequents the company of men of principle that he may be rectified: -- such a person may be said indeed to love to learn.”(Legge, Book I, Chapter XIV). The key word in this quote is rectified, and demonstrates Confucius's views, a man who is in good company can correct himself to be like them and as such become good.“2. 'Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. 3. 'Have no friends not equal to yourself. 4. 'When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.”(Legge, Book I, Chapter VIII). Confucius here, provides many examples of how one can self-improve themselves, by being sincere, modest and bravery to fix yourself and then become good. “When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers. I will select their good qualities and follow them, their bad qualities and avoid them.”(Legge, Book VII, Chapter XXI). Here is another place where Confucius tells us how good or bad people are made, the good ones that follow the good qualities and the bad ones that follow the bad qualities.