Confucius

📷 Wikimedia Commons — domaine public — Anonymous Chinese painter of the Western Han period — 2007

550 av. J.-C. — 478 av. J.-C.

État de Lu

LiteraturePhilosophyPhilosopheBefore ChristAncient China — Spring and Autumn period (era of the Warring States)

A Chinese thinker and philosopher of the 5th century BC, Confucius is the founder of Confucianism. His moral and political teachings, passed down by his disciples in the Analects, have profoundly influenced Chinese civilization and East Asia for more than two millennia.

Famous Quotes

« Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. »

« The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. »

« Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. »

« Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. »

Key Facts

Born around 551 BC in Qufu, in the state of Lu (present-day China)
Founder of Confucianism, a major system of ethical and political thought
His words are collected in the Analects (Lunyu), compiled by his disciples after his death in 479 BC
A contemporary of Buddha and Pythagoras — a period known as the 'Axial Age'
His ideas became the official state doctrine of China under the Han dynasty (206 BC)

Works & Achievements

Lunyu — The Analects (5th–4th century BCE)

A collection of Confucius's sayings and dialogues compiled by his disciples after his death. It is the founding text of Confucianism, translated worldwide and studied for more than two millennia across East Asia.

Chunqiu — The Spring and Autumn Annals (c. 480 BCE)

A historical chronicle of the state of Lu attributed to Confucius, covering 242 years of history. Every phrase carries an implicit moral judgment, making this work the earliest example of ethical historiography in China.

Edition of the Five Classics (Wujing) (c. 500–479 BCE)

Confucius is said to have compiled and edited the five great texts of the Chinese tradition: the Book of Odes, the Book of Documents, the Book of Changes, the Book of Rites, and the Annals. This work of transmission made him the guardian of the scholarly culture of his era.

Daxue — The Great Learning (5th–4th century BCE)

A text attributed to Confucius and his disciple Zengzi, outlining the moral progression of the individual toward the proper governance of the state. It would become one of the Four Books of the Confucian canon.

Zhongyong — The Doctrine of the Mean (5th–4th century BCE)

Attributed to Confucius's grandson Zisi, this text develops the central concept of moderation and moral sincerity. It is also part of the Four Books studied throughout imperial China.

Anecdotes

One day, a disciple asked Confucius whether a single rule could guide an entire life. Confucius replied: 'Is it not reciprocity? Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself.' This formulation, known as the Golden Rule, is at the heart of his ethical teaching.

Confucius briefly held the position of Minister of Justice in the state of Lu around 500 BCE. According to the chronicles, his moral authority was such that the mere announcement of his appointment was enough to cause crime to drop. But political intrigues quickly forced him into exile.

For nearly thirteen years, Confucius wandered from court to court with his disciples, seeking a ruler who would agree to put his ideas of virtuous government into practice. He met with refusal after refusal, was even imprisoned once, yet never abandoned his mission.

Confucius attached extreme importance to funeral rites and mourning. At his mother's death, he observed three years of mourning, living in the strictest simplicity. He taught that honoring one's ancestors was the foundation of all filial piety and, by extension, of all social order.

Although recognized as China's first great educator, Confucius did not consider himself a sage but a 'transmitter': he did not claim to invent new wisdom, but to restore and pass on the values of the ancient kings of the Zhou dynasty.

Primary Sources

Lunyu (The Analects of Confucius) (5th–4th century BC (compiled by disciples))

The Master said: 'Is it not a joy to learn and to practice what one has learned? Is it not a pleasure to have friends come from distant places?'

Chunqiu (The Spring and Autumn Annals) (c. 480 BC)

A historical chronicle of the State of Lu attributed to Confucius, covering the period 722–481 BC, written in a laconic style in which every word carries a moral judgment.

Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian) by Sima Qian — Biography of Confucius (c. 91 BC)

Confucius was born in Zou, in the State of Lu. His father's name was Shuliang He, his mother's Yan Zhengzai. At fifteen, his heart was set on learning.

Daxue (The Great Learning) (5th–4th century BC)

The way of great learning consists in illuminating illustrious virtue, in renewing the people, and in resting in the highest good.

Zhongyong (The Doctrine of the Mean) (5th–4th century BC)

What Heaven has conferred is called human nature. Following one's nature is called the Way. Cultivating the Way is called teaching.

Key Places

Qufu (State of Lu)

Birthplace and burial site of Confucius, located in present-day Shandong Province. It is still home to the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion, and the Confucius Cemetery, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Luoyi (present-day Luoyang)

Capital of the Zhou dynasty, which Confucius visited to study ancient rites. It was here that he is said to have met Laozi and deepened his knowledge of royal ceremonies.

Mount Ni (Nishan)

A hill near Qufu where, according to tradition, Confucius was born following his parents' prayers. A temple was erected there in his honor as early as antiquity.

State of Wei (present-day Hebei/Henan)

The state where Confucius spent the longest period during his exile, attempting to persuade Duke Ling to put his principles of virtuous governance into practice — without lasting success.

Confucius Temple of Qufu (Kong Miao)

Founded in 478 BCE, one year after the philosopher's death, it is one of the oldest temples in China. A center of Confucian pilgrimage and celebration for twenty-five centuries.