Confucius

Confucius died in Qufu, the capital of the state of Lu, at the age of 72. He was buried in a simple grave, but his teachings continued to spread and influence Chinese culture and society for centuries. The Analects and other texts attributed to him became foundational texts in Confucianism, shaping the moral and intellectual landscape of East Asia.

Confucius began to compile the Analects, a collection of his sayings and dialogues with his disciples. This text would become one of the most influential works in Chinese philosophy, providing a comprehensive guide to his ethical and political teachings.

Confucius resigned from his government position due to political disagreements and the inability to implement his ideals. He returned to teaching and further developed his philosophy, focusing on the cultivation of personal virtue and the importance of education in shaping a moral society.

Confucius returned to the state of Lu, where he was appointed to a series of increasingly important governmental positions, including the role of chief minister. However, his attempts to implement his principles of governance were met with resistance, and he eventually resigned from his post.

During his travels, Confucius began to attract a growing number of disciples who were drawn to his teachings on ethics, morality, and the ideal ruler. He emphasized the importance of the Five Virtues: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness, and the concept of the Junzi, or the ideal gentleman.

Frustrated by the political turmoil and the lack of moral leadership in the state of Lu, Confucius left his position and began a long period of travel and teaching. He visited various states, including Wei, Song, and Chen, seeking a ruler who would adopt his principles of governance.

Confucius took a position as a clerk in the state of Lu, managing granaries and livestock. This role allowed him to gain practical experience in administration and governance, which would later influence his teachings on the role of government and the importance of virtue in leadership.

At the age of 19, Confucius married Qi Guan, and they had their first son, Kong Li. Despite his marriage, Confucius continued to pursue his studies and began to develop his own philosophical ideas, which emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity.

Confucius began his formal education at the age of 15, focusing on the Six Arts: ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and arithmetic. These were the essential skills for a gentleman in the Zhou dynasty. He also studied the classics, including the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents.

Confucius was born in the state of Lu, which is in modern-day Shandong province. His birth name was Kong Qiu, and he was from a family of minor nobility. His father, Kong He, died when Confucius was three years old, leaving the family in modest circumstances.