How is Confucius a form of totalitarian?

Confucius is not typically considered a form of totalitarianism; however, his philosophy emphasizes a hierarchical social order and the importance of a strong moral authority, which can be interpreted as supporting authoritarian governance. His teachings prioritize loyalty, obedience, and respect for authority, which can lead to a rigid social structure where dissent is discouraged. In regimes that adopt Confucian principles, this can manifest in practices that suppress individual freedoms in favor of collective harmony and stability. Nonetheless, Confucius himself advocated for moral leadership rather than strict authoritarian control.