Confucius
Confucius, literally "Master Kong", (traditionally September 28, 551 BC – 479 BC) was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher from the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC – 476 BC).
Confucius lived in the late Spring and Autumn Period more than 2,400 years ago. In those days, the princes and dukes contended for power and the country was in chaos caused by war. At the same time, rapid progress was made towards feudal civilization.
In 551 B.C., Confucius, a great thinker and educator in ancient China and the founder of the Confucian school of thought, was born in Zouyi, the state of Lu.
Confucius lived in poverty when he was a teenager. Legend says he was once a trumpeter and a low-ranking official managing sheep, cattle and grain. But he learned diligently and became a scholar of immense learning. He began to take disciples and give lectures at the age of 30. Confucius became an official in charge of criminal punishment and the maintenance of social order in the state of Lu. Once he served as the minister of justice. At the age of 54, he began to tour various states with his students in order to publicize his theory of government.
The core of Confucius' thinking is benevolence. As he put it, "It is to love all men." It means one should care for, love and respect others. Confucius taught his disciples that "one should overflow in love to all and cultivate the friendship of the good."
This means one should love the common people and cultivate the friendship of those of perfect virtue. He believed "benevolence" was the basic principle of one's conduct and the highest ideal of morality. Confucius attached great importance to natural affection among family members. He said this should be the general principle guiding interpersonal relationships.
Source: Wiki.com
|
