Confucius

Confucius, whose given name was Qiu and courtesy name was Zhongni, was born into the Kong family. He was a descendant of the royal family of the Shang Dynasty, tracing his lineage back to Emperor Tang, the dynasty’s founding ruler. As a pioneer in private education and the founder of Confucianism, Confucius was recognized in his time as Heaven-sent Sage and Heaven’s Bell. Renowned as one of the most learned individuals of his era, he was honored by later generations with titles such as Sage Confucius, Supreme Sage, and Model Teacher for Ten Thousand Generations.

In his early years, Confucius served in the government of the State of Lu, rising to the position of Grand Minister of Justice, equivalent to the highest judicial official. However, he left his post after the Duke of Lu accepted singers and dancers as gifts from the State of Qi and neglected court affairs for three days. Disheartened, Confucius departed Lu and spent 14 years traveling across various states with his disciples. In his later years, he returned to Lu to edit the Six Classics, comprising The Book of Poetry, The Book of Documents, The Book of Rites, The Book of Music, The Book of Changes, and The Spring and Autumn Annals.

Confucius is said to have taught 3,000 students, of whom 72 were considered exemplary. His ideas have profoundly influenced Chinese civilization and the world, earning him the distinction of being named the foremost figure among the Top Ten Cultural Icons of the World.

Renowned scholars have offered high praise for Confucius. Sima Qian remarked, “Like a towering mountain, we look up to him; like a broad path, we aspire to follow him. Though we cannot reach his heights, our hearts yearn for him.” Mencius said of Confucius, “A sage among the people, surpassing all others in history; since the beginning of humankind, none have been greater than Confucius.” The philosopher Zhu Xi declared, “If Heaven had not brought forth Confucius, the world would be shrouded in eternal darkness.” This sentiment reflects the unparalleled significance of Confucius in shaping the moral and cultural fabric of human history.