Confucius (551 - 479 BC), was a thinker, political figure, educator and founder of the Ru school of Chinese thought. Confucius was born in Shang-ping, in the country of Lu. His name was Kong, but his disciples called him Kong-fu-tse, (i.e., Kong the Master, or Teacher). His father died when he was only three years old. Confucius' mother, Yan, raised him. During his youth Confucius showed a love of learning and an expression of respect for the ancient laws of his country. Confucius was only nineteen when he married, but he divorced his wife after only four years of marriage in order to have more time for study and carrying out his public duties. His mother died when he was twenty-three years old, and this was the reason behind Confucius' first solemn and important act as a moral reformer. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The solemnity and splendor of the burial ceremony in which Confucius honored his remains struck his fellow citizens with amazement. Confucius locked himself at home for three years of mourning for his mother, spending all his time dedicated to philosophical study. He reflected deeply on the eternal laws of morality, tracing them to their source, saturated his mind with the sense of duties which they instinctively impose on all men and decided to make them the unalterable rule of all his actions. From that day forward his career was merely an illustration of his ethical system. He began to instruct his fellow countrymen in the principles of morality, manifesting in his own person all the virtues that he instilled in others. His disciples gradually increased, as the practical character of his philosophy became more evident. In general, Confucius' disciples were not young and enthusiastic. She preferred middle-aged men who were sober, serious, respectable and occupied public situations. This fact highlights both the character and design of his philosophy. It was moral, not religious, and aimed solely at enabling men to behave honorably and carefully in this life. Confucius traveled through many states, in some he was welcomed, while in others he was not appreciated. His subsequent travels were very unfavorable, with one state after another refusing to be improved. There were some cases where Confucius was persecuted. He was once imprisoned and almost starved to death. He finally realized that there was no hope of securing the favorable attention he desired from his countrymen while alive. He returned to his native state, spending his last years in the mingling of literary works, by which at least all his descendants might have been educated. Confucius died in 479 BC, at the age of seventy. Soon after his death, Confucius began to be regarded with respect and his family was distinguished for excellence with various honors and privileges. Many people honored all of Confucius' work by building temples in every city in China to honor Confucius. Because Confucius' teachings and philosophy were so advanced, they were the education for China for 2,000 years. It is called Confucianism and is the complex system of moral, social, political and religious teachings built by Confucius and ancient Chinese traditions. The goal of Confucianism is to make man not only virtuous, but also a cultured and well-mannered man. The perfect man must combine the qualities of saint, scholar and gentleman. Confucianism is a religion whose worship is centered on offerings to the dead. The notion of duty extends beyond the boundaries of morality and encompasses the details of everyday life. The best source for understanding Confucius and his thoughts are the Analects. But the Dialogues are considered a problematic work and)