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[[Image:Uyr6.jpg|right|thumb|Confucius (illustration from Myths & Legends of China, 1922, by E.T.C. Werner)]]

[[Image:Uyr6.jpg|right|thumb|Confucius (illustration from Myths & Legends of China, 1922, by E.T.C. Werner)]]

'''Confucius''' (551-478 B.C.) was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher born in Lu (modern day Shandong province).  He was poor, but self educated and started teaching his disciples around age 20.<ref>The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Penguin Group, 1989</ref>

'''Confucius''' (551-478 B.C.) was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher born in Lu (modern day Shandong province).  He was poor, but self-educated and started teaching his disciples around age 20.<ref>The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Penguin Group, 1989</ref>

Confucius, a great figure in ancient [[China]], lived during the corruption and collapse of the [[Zhou Dynasty]], and formulated a code of ethics and ritual based upon the venerated ancient [[Golden Civilizations]] of China.  His real name was Kong Fu Zi (the "Zi" character meaning "little one," or "master"), the [[Latinization]] of his name occured when the first Christian evangelicals came to China and took a liking to his teachings, and transferred them back to the West. His disciples wrote down his teachings in a book called the [[Analects]], which focus on man's duties to obey a universal natural law through ritual behavior.  Moderation in conduct, or "Li", was emphasized, and [[filial piety]] (respecting the older members of one's family) was the goal. Age itself is greatly honored in Chinese culture, and the elderly were taught to be venerated. He emphasized rational analysis with a touch of flexibility. He is quoted to say, <blockquote>"I for my part am not one of those who have innate knowledge.  I am simply one who loves the past and who is diligent in investigating it."</blockquote>

Confucius, a great figure in ancient [[China]], lived during the corruption and collapse of the [[Zhou Dynasty]], and formulated a code of ethics and ritual based upon the venerated ancient [[Golden Civilizations]] of China.  His real name was Kong Fu Zi (the "Zi" character meaning "little one," or "master"), the [[Latinization]] of his name occurred when the first Christian evangelicals came to China and took a liking to his teachings, and transferred them back to the West. His disciples wrote down his teachings in a book called the [[Analects]], which focus on man's duties to obey a universal natural law through ritual behavior.  Moderation in conduct, or "Li", was emphasized, and [[filial piety]] (respecting the older members of one's family) was the goal. Age itself is greatly honored in Chinese culture, and the elderly were taught to be venerated. He emphasized rational analysis with a touch of flexibility. He is quoted to say, <blockquote>"I for my part am not one of those who have innate knowledge.  I am simply one who loves the past and who is diligent in investigating it."</blockquote>

Confucius became a magistrate in the city of Chang-tu, but resigned when the position turned out to have very little influence.

Confucius became a magistrate in the city of Chang-tu, but resigned when the position turned out to have very little influence.