Confucius was born in Qufu, a city in the state of Lu. Qufu later became an important cultural and historical site.
His birth name was Kong Qiu, and he is also known as Kong Fuzi or Master Kong.
Confucius came from a modest family of the shi class. It was between the nobility and commoners in ancient China. His father, Kong He, was a military officer of noble lineage, but the family was not wealthy.
He held various government positions before becoming a teacher. It is reflecting his commitment to ethical governance and education.
Confucius emphasized the importance of education and self-cultivation.
His teachings are compiled in the 'Analects,' a collection of his sayings and ideas.
Confucius believed in the 'Five Relationships' that define social harmony: ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend.
He introduced the concept of 'Ren,' which means humanity or benevolence.
Confucius advocated for a merit-based system for government officials, rather than one based on noble birth.
He traveled extensively to offer his teachings to various rulers. The list includes Lu, Wei, Song, Zheng, and Chu. Most of them respected his ideas but hesitated to adopt them fully.
Confucianism became the state philosophy during the Han Dynasty.
Artists often depict Confucius with a long beard and traditional Chinese robes.
His ideas greatly influenced East Asian cultures, including those of Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Confucius' birthday, September 28, is celebrated as Teachers' Day in Taiwan and Confucius' Day in China.
He is considered one of the most important and influential figures in Chinese history.