Confucius The PhilosopherBY FREDERICK FANG

The Not So Secret Life of Confucius

• He was born on September 28th, 551 BC to a military officer.

• His dad was of old age and his mom was only in her teenage years.

• He lived in major poverty during his younger years.

• He studied with a Lao Tzu, a famous teacher. He spent an abundance of hours learning ancient rituals, music, history, and poetry.

The Not So Secret Life of Confucius.. PART 2

• Confucius began to gather disciples and had as many as 3000!

• Around the age of 51, Confucius began his political career.

• Shortly after, Confucius left his position as Minister and dedicated the rest of his life to teaching.

• He died in 479 BC at the age of 72.

• After his death, his disciples wrote a book after him: The Analects of Confucius.

The Analects of ConfuciusCool huh? Even though I can’t read it.

Political Career

• At the age of 51, Confucius began his political career in the state of Lu.

• He held the position of Minister of Public Works and then the Minister of Justice.

• He eventually became the Prime Minister of Lu!

• However, he learned that the Prince of Lu was taking a leave of absence from the government.

• Why he left? The neighboring state gave the prince 100 horses and 80 dancing girls.

• Confucius was deeply sadden by the irresponsibility of the Prince and left his post as Minister.

Beliefs and Principles

• Confucius’s beliefs and principles have carried on throughout Chinese history.

• He believed three things:

1. Strong Family Loyalty

2. Respect of elders, children, family members, and yourself.

3. Ancestor Worship

• Confucius even created the first “Golden Rule”. “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself”.

Wisdom• Confucius believed that

wisdom was gained in three ways:

1. Reflection: Looking at yourself, examining your actions, and looking to make better decisions.

2. Imitation: Do as other wise people do.

3. Experience: Live through events and learn from mistakes.

• Confucius also believed that a wise person could be anyone, whether poor or rich.

• For example: he was not ashamed to ask poor people for help.

Teachings• The teachings of Confucius

stress the importance of the following items:

1. Education

2. Respect for everyone

3. Appropriate behavior

4. Moral development by the Individual.

5. The government helping citizens rather than making strict laws that hinder well-being.

Confucius and his disciples

5 Virtues Philosophy• Confucius taught all of his disciples

5 virtues.

• Following these virtues would allow one to achieve “moral perfection” and live a healthy life in a state of harmony.

1. Ren: Humanity (Love of People)

2. Yi: Honesty and being good.

3. Zhi: Knowledge. The ability to see right and wrong.

4. Xin: Integrity and faithfulness

5. Li: How a person should act in everyday life. Examples: correct behavior, politeness, and good manners.

Confucianism

• Confucianism is a philosophical system built by the teachings of Confucius.

• It was a popular religion in ancient China along with Buddhism and Daoism.

• It states to treasure things in everyday life, especially family.

• If you believe in Confucianism, you believe that humans are teachable, improvable, and perfectible.

• This is by education and trying hard to achieve a goal.

The Analects of Confucius

• It was made after Confucius had died by his followers and disciples.

• The Analects of Confucius contains ideas and sayings that Confucius taught and believed.

• In the book also contains information on virtues, government, philosophies, and ideas on Confucianism.

• It remains one of the most read and studied Chinese books.

• Ideas in the book still have a strong impact in Chinese culture today.

Favorite Quotes of Confucius

• “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated”.

• “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence”.

• “It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get”.

• “The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell”.

• “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”.

• “Wherever you go, go with all your heart”.

• “Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change”.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/religion/confucianism/

http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/confucius-84.php

http://confuciusinstitute.com.au/2011/07/confucius-personal-life/

http://www.notablebiographies.com/Co-Da/Confucius.html

http://www.egs.edu/library/confucius/biography/

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