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Confucius was a man who influenced society with an impact that is still felt today.
In America, students study Confucius by that name: Confucius. However, Confucius is not his birth-name, and he was actually known by several different names. The name Confucius was conceived by jesuit missionaries. It means K'ung-fu-tzu or Kongfuzi, which in English is translated into Master Kong. His family and personal relatives called him Kong Qui. |
Confucius was born in Zou, Lu state, in the year 551 B.C. and died in the same state in 479 B.C. at the age of 72. His father died when he was only three years old, and he was raised by his mother, in poverty. When he was old enough, he worked various jobs, including working as a shepard, cowherd, clerk, and book-keeper. He married his wife, Qi Guan, when he was nineteen. They had a son and named him Kong Li. When he was 23 his mother died and he mourned for three years.
In adolescence, Confucius that he wanted to devote his life to learning. He proceeded to study religion, ritual, and history. He learned extraordinary things and pondered them, which resulted in many life changing realizations. Confucius decided to share his findings with everyone, thus creating Confucianism, the Confucius Philosophy. Confucius was also involved in politics. He officially involved himself when he was fifty years old. He was appointed Minister of Public Works as well as Minister of Crime. While in office, Confucius attempted to restore authority of the Lu State to the Duke. He progressed by dismantling walls that were dividing the state up. Because of political conflicts, Confucius was forced to step down and he proceeded to leave the state, along with some of his disciples. At the age of 68, he returned to Lu State and devoted the rest of his life to teaching. |