Low Confucianism, also known as Confucianism of the Common People, is a school of Confucianism advocated by the scholar Li Zhao in Western Dynasty. Li Zhao emphasizes the need for people to observe the laws of Heaven, respect their parents, take care of their family, and love their neighbors. He believed that common people should have the same access to Confucian literature and teachings as the nobles. Therefore, Li Zhao advocated the use of vernacular forms of writing in order to reach a wider audience.
In the thought of Li Zhao, Confucianism should be simplified so that it is understandable to the masses. He further argued that virtue should be collected from the common people and the rulers should then practice it. He advocated [for] a new kind of Confucianism for the age and proposed that people should advocate for individuals and groups to uphold these values in a natural way.
The main contents of Li Zhao\'s Confucianism of the Common People include: less focus on the rites and music and more concentration on the ethics and morality. Other aspects include stress on moral self cultivation, care for the weak, respect for elders, and many realistic issues and social morality such as the importance of water conservations, frugality, and respecting parents. He also advocated for the creation of a harmonious and hospitable society. He believed that the advancement of Chinese culture and society could not be achieved if the common people were not given the opportunity for a higher education and access to classic Confucian writings.
In conclusion, Li Zhao\'s Confucianism of the Common People emphasizes self-cultivation and the importance of morality and ethics in both individuals and society as whole. The main point of his teachings is to simplify Confucianism and spread the traditional moral values amongst the lower classes. Moreover, Li Zhaobelieved that everybody should practice Confucianism and it should become indispensable in government and civil affairs.
