Confucius’s Philosophy
Confucius (551 B.C. - 479 B.C.), founder of Confucianism, was born in today's Qufu,
Shandong province. He was named Kong Qiu and styled Zhongni and respected by Chinese as
Kong Fuzi or Kong Zi. He was an outstanding thinker and educationist in the late Spring and
Autumn period. He pursued truth, kindness and perfection throughout his life and his success
was largely due to his character, which had an everlasting impact on Chinese intellect.
Confucianism is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture. It is a complete ideological
system created by Confucius, based on the traditional culture of the Xia, Shang and Zhou
Dynasties. The philosophy of Confucius emphasized personal and governmental morality,
correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity.
As a teacher, Confucius was brilliant and full of achievement. His suggested to educated all
despite their social status. In ancient times of China, only aristocracy had priviledge to be
educated, but lower people not. It was inequality between rich people and poor people.
However, Confucius broke with this tradition that everyone had right to accept education. He
also recommended to teach students according to the students’ characteristics. Because each
student is different from others, they have their own advantages or disadvantage. Teachers
should realize the student’s features to develop his good point and correct his defect. When he
educated students, he never rebuked if the student answered a wrong question. Oppositely, he
was always moderate, discussed questions with students, and guided his students to find
results. He reflected a personality ideology of China. His behaviors and ideas affected not only
his students, but also many other chinese persons. As a result, his quotes emerged too many
effects for people, society, and culture. One of his quotes is” There are the three friends with
whom there is gain and the three...