Life of Confucius
The Supreme Teacher
Confucius was believed to be born in 551 and died in 479 BC; during The Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) and The Warring States Period (475 BC - 221 BC) of China.
Confucius is known as Kong Zi 孔子 (kong2zi3) in China. He is among the world's greatest thinkers and philosophers. His influence is deep-rooted not only in China, but also other countries including Korea, Japan and Vietnam; as well as the Chinese communities around the globe.
It has tremendously influenced the ways the people think and behave. Among the confucius teachings is the Chinese li (rites, etiquette) and ren (benevolence)that are widely observed not only by Chinese, but Japanese and Koreans.
Confucianism & Analects
His thinking has been developed into the belief system known as Confucianism. His teachings can be found in one of the greatest books on Confucianism the Analects of Confucius, which was written and compiled by his disciples.
His Works
Despite his tremendous influence, Confucius is not known to have written any specific books, although he is thought to be editor or in some cases author of the Five Classics, which include The Book of Changes, Classic of Poetry, Classic of Rites, Classic of History, Spring and Autumn Annals. Classic of Music, which is sometimes considered as the sixth classic, is also thought to be associated with him.
A Failed Political Career
Confuscius spent virtually his entire life wandering from state to state, in order to find an enlightened ruler who would allow him to employ his political philosophy in establishing a model government, however small. Unfortunately, his search ended in vain. Wherever he went, he would usually be treated with much respect and formality. But before he could find a foothold, he would be forced to leave, or even run for his life.
It was in Han Dynasty, way after his death, that Confucianism was upheld as the state ideology.
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