WI: China without Confucianism

How, do you think, Chinese civilization could develop without influence of Master Kong's teachings? Would their lack be beneficial for the spread of foreign philosophies and religions or would they be replaced by another Chinese system of beliefs?
 
Confucianism wasn't really the religion of China or even the sole philosophy adhered to by many people, so it's lack would make for a lot of cultural changes but not necessary make it more susceptible to foreign influence. I imagine Taoism might benefit however.
 
Confucianism wasn't really the religion of China or even the sole philosophy adhered to by many people, so it's lack would make for a lot of cultural changes but not necessary make it more susceptible to foreign influence. I imagine Taoism might benefit however.
However, you have to admit that it had huge influence over both development of certain social norms and Chinese political philosophy.
 
How, do you think, Chinese civilization could develop without influence of Master Kong's teachings? Would their lack be beneficial for the spread of foreign philosophies and religions or would they be replaced by another Chinese system of beliefs?

Another Chinese system of beliefs from the Spring and Autumn period or the warring state period or early han period would probably take it's place to help support the legalism of the Emperors. If no system can sugarcoat legalism, legalism will die, at least it's harsher forms. Buddhism and Taoism could be even stronger or weaker. The problem with belief systems PoD that started a long time ago is that IMHO you can do almost anything with them.
 
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