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).