Confucius Biography

Confucius Biography

Full Name: Mr. Kǒng Qiū
Date of Birth: August 27, 551 B.C.
Place of Birth: Shandong, China
Died: November 21, 479 B.C.
Place of Death: Shandong, China
Classification: Scientists & Thinkers

Known to the Chinese as Master Kong and to the rest of the world as Confucius, he created a philosophy based on virtue. In turn, he believed honesty, respect, sincerity, and common sense could not only join families, but also bring together the entire empire of China.

Not much is known about Confucius’ early life, but it is believed he belonged to the middle class, and therefore would have been well educated. Being part of the middle class would have also meant he was cultured and looked upon for intellectual soundness. In his mid-20s, Confucius became a government official in the State of Lu and a minister, a lofty position for a young man. He attempted to talk to the king about certain policies that governed Lu, but after doing so for several years, nothing changed. In despair about the fate of the kingdom, Confucius resigned from his post and from the politics of the king. From then on, he believed someone shouldn’t inherit power simply because of birth or lineage. On the contrary, a person should come into power based on his own merit and be representative of the people.

Confucius began traveling around northern China. He attempted to talk with kings and other rulers about their practices, hoping to right the wrongs and bring a broken land together once again. He knew that if brought the country together, China’s cultural and financial greatness would expand.

During his travels, he met many who became his disciples. While Confucianism isn’t a religion, per se, these disciples did spread his wise words, and neo-Confucianism brought greater religious context to Confucius’ teachings. Confucius came up with the premise of the modern Golden Rule. He said to a king that the greatest teaching of all is to: “Never impose on others what you would not on yourself.” He promoted the balance of social classes, stating roles should be balanced, but respect for a superior should always be recognized. Additionally, he was a proponent of using music to bring people together, knowing kings and commoners alike could share in the joy it brought.

Confucius taught that it was not the satisfaction of the senses in the present moment that would bring true happiness, but well-planned actions and the helping of fellow man which mattered most. He argued that respect should be paid to the dead but focus should not be taken away from working towards a better future. In his life, he wanted to cultivate ideas that would spread throughout China. He talked of modesty, planning, respect, and moral behavior that would not benefit only a few, but the entire empire