Confucius Biography and Quotes

Famously Known For

Confucius is well remembered for being the first Chinese teacher that fought for making education broadly available and was part of the team that established the art of teaching. 

He is also remembered for forming the Confucianism, a way of life that’s based on ethical, social, and moral standards.

Early Life

Confucius is said to have been a descendant of the royal house of Shang; a family that ruled China around the period of 1122 BC to 221 BC. It is believed that Confucius’s father had divorced his first wife for only siring daughters and one disabled son. After the divorce, Confucius’s father married a teenage girl that gave birth to Confucius. 

One of Confucius’s books of teachings, he indicates that he was poor as a youth, which forced him to acquire different skills for survival. However, it is recorded that their family was not commoners as they belonged to the ruling class, referred to as the Shih. The Shih comprised of teachers, scholars, and court officials. 

Career

There are no records that show the exact time that Confucius became a teacher, but it is estimated that it was after he was 30 years of age. Confucius spent his time reading and teaching. Through his teachings, Confucius was able to gather a large number of students. Some even became his followers when he left his home, Lu, in around 498 BC. 

Political forces caused his departure. Having served under Lu state leadership, the Lu state was becoming too powerful that it scared the neighboring Qi state. Qi’s leader sabotaged the Lu leader, forcing Confucius to leave. 

Together with his followers, they were able to travel throughout eastern China, spreading his teachings. The following he was gathering helped in the establishment of the Confucian school. In 484 BC, Confucius returned to Lu after receiving an invitation.

Death

Confucius died in Qufu, China after losing his son Tzu-Lu in war. He died at the age of 71 from natural causes.

Quotes by Confucius

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