Confucius was born in 551 BC, during China’s Spring and Autumn Period. In this era, the nation suffered much social unrest. At the time many corrupt dukes ruled while the king remained a figurehead with little power.
From a young age Confucius showed an interest in studying the Classics. By the age of thirty it is said he began to teach in his home state, Lu. As his reputation grew, so did his political status until he became the Prime Minister of Lu.
While in office, he tried to instill the government with the moral values he felt were a key part of being a successful person and a respectable leader. The nobles in Lu, however, did not agree with his ideas on morality, so at age fifty-five, Confucius left his home. He and many of his pupils began to travel and teach across a large portion of China. When he was sixty-eight the new nobles of Lu invited Confucius to return. He took their offer and continued to teach until 479 BC, when he died at the age of seventy-three.
Throughout his travels his students found him to be pleasurable company, even a singer and a musician. Confucius also married and had one son, however, he survived both his wife and child. After his death, Confucius’ students came together to compile the notes each had taken during their discussions with the Master. They called the finished product Sayings Discussed, often translated as The Analects.
From a young age Confucius showed an interest in studying the Classics. By the age of thirty it is said he began to teach in his home state, Lu. As his reputation grew, so did his political status until he became the Prime Minister of Lu.
While in office, he tried to instill the government with the moral values he felt were a key part of being a successful person and a respectable leader. The nobles in Lu, however, did not agree with his ideas on morality, so at age fifty-five, Confucius left his home. He and many of his pupils began to travel and teach across a large portion of China. When he was sixty-eight the new nobles of Lu invited Confucius to return. He took their offer and continued to teach until 479 BC, when he died at the age of seventy-three.
Throughout his travels his students found him to be pleasurable company, even a singer and a musician. Confucius also married and had one son, however, he survived both his wife and child. After his death, Confucius’ students came together to compile the notes each had taken during their discussions with the Master. They called the finished product Sayings Discussed, often translated as The Analects.
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