A sage for his own time and beyond

Confucius (551-479 BC), lived in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). At a time when Plato and Aristotle were spreading philosophies on ethics in the Western world, Confucius was having a major impact on the social, political and philosophical structure of China.

Amid the chaos of the 6th century BC in China, with feudal states fighting endlessly and rulers frequently assassinated, Confucius exemplified benevolence and integrity. Through his teachings, he became the most famous philosopher in China and shaped the soul of the people, although he himself never commanded an army or ruled a state.

Confucius was born into an aristocratic family in 551 BC in the state of Lu, in what is now Shandong province. His father died when he was 3 years old, and Confucius and his mother moved away and lived in poverty. He developed a lifelong sympathy for the suffering of common people.