Final answer:
Confucianism aims to guide individuals to become a junzi, an exemplary figure that embodies virtue (ren) and observance of rituals and practices (li). The junzi serves as a role model, especially as a ruler, influencing society towards harmony and proper order through self-cultivation and adherence to Confucius's teachings in harmonious relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ultimate goal of Confucianism is to teach a person how to become a junzi, or an exemplary figure who lives according to the dao, the path of virtue. Confucius emphasized that any person, regardless of their status, could strive towards becoming a junzi, and that rulers in particular should embody this ideal in order to set an example for their subjects. As highlighted by Confucius when advising ruler Chi K'ang, if leaders themselves are virtuous and non-covetous, it influences their subjects to follow suit, reducing issues such as theft.
A junzi pursues self-perfection through practice, self-transformation, and a deep understanding of the social relationships and norms governed by ren (complete virtue) and li (ritual and practice). These social and cultural norms are not merely rules to follow, but are means of character development, guiding the transformation to moral responsibility. Moral excellence, respect for social hierarchy, and observance of proper conduct in all relationships shape the Confucian moral life.
In addition to leadership, a junzi also displays exemplary behavior within the five central relationships outlined by Confucius, consisting of king and subjects, father and son, husband and wife, elder brother and younger siblings, and friends. These relationships, particularly when combined with ethical leadership, contribute to a socially harmonious and ordered society.