Biography of Confucius

Biography of Confucius

Learn about the biography of Confucius the philosophy from Ancient China including his life, philosophies, early career, death, quotes, and fun facts

Biography of Confucius

• Occupation: Philosopher and teacher
• Born: 551 BC in China, the state of Lu
• Died: 479 BC in China, the state of Lu
• Best known for: Creating the philosophy known as Confucianism

Biography of Confucius

Growing Up

Little is known about Confucius’s early years. In the year 551 BC, he was born in the state of Lu. Kong He, a soldier who passed away when Confucius was three years old, was his father. Confucius was reared by his mother throughout the remainder of his childhood, during which he lived in squalor.

The Confucius family belonged to the “shi,” or emerging middle class, of China. Despite not belonging to the nobility, they were regarded as superior to the common people. He now had a perspective on life that was distinct from most people’s. According to him, promotions and rewards should be given to people based on their abilities rather than the family they were born into.

Early Career

Confucius first held a number of common jobs before becoming a great teacher. They included working as a clerk and a shepherd. Confucius eventually started working for the government. He began his career as the mayor of a tiny town and worked his way up until he was a senior counselor to the government.

His Philosophy

Confucius developed his own philosophy which he taught to others. Today, his philosophy is known as Confucianism. His ideas didn’t become popular until years after his death when they became the basic philosophy of the Chinese culture for over two thousand years.

Here are some of the basic ideas of Confucianism:

• Treat others kindly
• Have good manners and follow daily rituals
• A man should have good morals and ethics
• Family was important and ancestors were to be respected
• A true man had the qualities of integrity, righteousness, altruism, goodness, and loyalty
• One should practice moderation in all things
• He believed in a strong and organized central government

Later Life

Confucius quit his government job at the age of 51. He was disappointed that the leaders were not following his teachings. He then traveled throughout China for many years teaching his philosophy. Some of his followers wrote down his ideas in a book that would later be called The Analects of Confucius.

Death

Confucius died in 479 BC of natural causes. He spent his last few years in his hometown of Qufu teaching his disciples.

Legacy

Confucius’ teachings became the state philosophy of China during the Han Dynasty. His teachings were the basis of the government civil service exams. The government liked Confucianism because it taught to respect authority and that a strong central government was important. Confucius’ teachings remained an important part of Chinese culture and government up until the 20th century.

Confucius Quotes

• What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
• To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous.
• The cautious seldom err.
• Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?
• If you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.
• When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weaknesses.

Facts about Confucius

• His family name was Kong Qiu and he is called “Kongzi” in China, which means “Master Kong.”
• Some people consider Confucianism a religion while others consider it a philosophy.
• He married at the age of 19 and had a child named Kong Li.
• There are over 2 million known and registered descendants of Confucius.

Biography of Confucius

Read also: Literature Of Ancient China