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"Portrait of Confucius" by Wu Daozi of Tang Dynasty

| Stone Rubbing | Qufu, East China

The times have changed, but the Confucian values are as relevant today as they were over two millennia ago.

So, let's get closer to the life and thought of one of the world's greatest thinkers and harness the power of AI to talk to the master himself!

Confucius

551 BC – 479 BC

Confucius was a prominent Chinese philosopher and educator of the Spring and Autumn period. Revered as the paragon of Chinese sages, he founded Confucianism and pioneered mass education in China. His teachings focus on morality, social harmony, justice and the ethical responsibilities of rulers. His principles have been profoundly influencing the world for centuries.

In the eyes of the literati

"This wise man is Confucius, who being legislator never wanted to deceive men. What more beautiful rule of conduct has ever been given since him in the whole world?"

Voltaire

1694-1778

He was a French Enlightenment writer and philosopher. He produced works in almost every literary form, including plays, poems, novels, essays and histories. He was an advocate of freedom of speech, religious tolerance and social justice.

"The Analects is filled with maxims and moral sentences, which surpass those of the seven sages of Greece."

Francois Quesnay

1694-1774

He was a French economist best known for publishing the "Economic Table" in 1758, which laid the foundations of the physiocratic school of economics.

"Confucius, glory of the nations, Confucius, sage of the Absolute East, was a middle man. He is the Washington of philosophy..."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

1803-1882

He was an American poet, philosopher and essayist who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He achieved worldwide fame for essays including "Self-Reliance," "Nature" and "Fate."

"He (Confucius) was a practical statesman, concerned with the administration of the State; the virtues he sought to inculcate were not those of personal holiness, or designed to secure salvation in a future life, but rather those which lead to a peaceful and prosperous community here on earth."

Bertrand Russell

1872-1970

He was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, and social critic. He was a prominent figure in the early 20th century analytic philosophy and a vocal advocate for pacifism and nuclear disarmament.

"Indeed, Confucius is an eternal guide for humanity."

Yasushi Inoue

1907-1991

He was a Japanese novelist and poet known for historical and autobiographical fiction. His most acclaimed works include "The Bullfight," "The Roof Tile of Tempyo" and "Tun-huang."

Life Story

01

Early Years

Long ago, in the State of Lu, there lived a couple who longed for a healthy boy. They went to Nishan Mountain, located in present-day Shandong Province of east China, and prayed to the heavens for a son. Their prayers were answered and the wife gave birth. However, legend has it that the boy did not look like other babies and was thus abandoned at the foot of the mountain.

But he was not alone. A tiger emerged out of a nearby cave and saw the stranded infant. Instead of devouring him, the beast pulled him into the cave and fed him, while an eagle fanned ...

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02

Adulthood

You too would be inclined to name your child after an aquatic species if a king happens to gift you a fish at your child’s birth. Such was the case for Confucius, who married at the age of 19 and had a son at the age of 20. Duke Zhao of the State of Lu congratulated him and specially sent him a big carp, or liyu in Chinese. In order to commemorate this incident, Confucius named the child Li, with the courtesy name Boyu. Bo means eldest, and he was ...

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03

Middle Age

There are not many people in this world who can say: "When I reached the age of 40, my heart became brighter and no words could confuse me." But Confucius was a man of clarity.

Crossing multiple hurdles and after an arduous political struggle, Confucius became a military commander in the State of Lu. In 500 BC, the second year of his command, Confucius achieved one of the most famous diplomatic victories ...

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04

Elder Years

"At 60, I heard it with a compliant ear. At 70, I follow the desires of my heart and do not overstep the bounds."

Confucius had very high standards for righteousness, which became even more pronounced as he aged.

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  • Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life?
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  • Confucius, How do we understand the meaning of ‘Ren’, and how does it gonna bring changes to our lives?

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      The Analects

      "The Analects" of Confucius is a collection of dialogues, anecdotes and aphorisms by Confucius and his disciples. It is one of the most important texts in Chinese philosophy, offering insights into moral and political views, social ethics and personal conduct. It emphasizes the importance of learning, self-cultivation and the establishment of a harmonious society. For over 2,000 years, these teachings have shaped the Chinese thoughts and customs, besides providing valuable insights into life for the world at large. The collection has now been translated into more than 30 languages around the globe.

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