Confucius is one of the greatest
philosophers in world history. His teachings and philosophy gave birth
to a
movement 'Confucianism' that lives on even today.
Confucius was born in the
state of Lu
which was ruled by the noble Kung clan. His father died when he was
three years
old. He lived in poverty but received fine education. He displayed
remarkable
mental ability since his childhood. Although he had to work hard for
living,
yet his interest in education and quest for knowledge never lessened.
He
married at the age of sixteen and
marriage proved miracle for him. Marriage was inspiring event for him
and he
blossomed into a philosopher. He began his career as a teacher and
started
preaching disciples that gathered around him. Later on, he founded an
academy
in which the principles of right conduct and governance were taught.
At
the age of fifty, he was appointed magistrate of Chung-tu and the next
year,
minister of Crime of the State of Lu. He proved to be an excellent
administrator
and the crime was almost eliminated as Confucius was practical and
ethical
rather than religious.
Confucius
was a restorer of ancient morality and held that acts in life should he
based
on the five virtues of kindness, uprightness, decorum, wisdom and
faithfulness
that constitute the whole of human duty. Confucianism became the
official
ideology of the Chinese state. The principles of Confucianism have been
compiled as the Analects (or conversations).
Confucius
continues to be regarded as China's greatest teacher. His thoughts
became the
official religion of China. He died at the age of seventy one. The
Chinese
still remember his teachings of kindness, love for others and reverence
for
ancestors.