Statue of Confucius 17th century temple, Tokyo

K’ung Fo-tzu (551-479 BCE)—known in the west by his Latin name, Confucius—is China’s most famous philosopher. His wisdom has provided moral guidance to Chinese for over 2500 years, becoming an integral part of the Chinese cultural identity.

He was born in the small town of Tsu in what is now the Chinese Province of Shantung. His father was a magistrate and soldier. At the age of three, his father died, leaving him to grow up in poverty. At the age of 22, he started the first private school in China, teaching his philosophy of ideal personal conduct, benevolence, and justice by law.

In his fifties, he became the Grand Official of Justice for the State of Lu. After leaving that position, he spent the last 13 years of his life traveling around China teaching.

In mainland China (People’s Republic of China) Confucius is honoured on the anniversary of his death, 1st October. In Taiwan, he is honoured on the anniversary of his birth, 28th September, a public holiday referred to as Teacher’s Day since Confucius is considered the greatest teacher in Chinese history.

For more about Confucius, see Fertile Minds.