Confucian

   , CONFUCIANISM

   Confucius, known by the name of Kung Chiu, was a great Chinese philosopher, a recognized sage of China. His most famous remark, as apt today as it was when first uttered, was "What you do not like done to yourself, do not unto others." The ethical concepts of this man of tremendous influence are still the ideals of millions of people. His maxims dealt not with religion, but with morals (emphasizing one's virtue), the family (including remembrance of one's ancestors), social reforms, and statecraft.

   The father of Confucius, a courageous soldier of royal descent, died when his son was three years old. The boy's mother had little money, but she gave him the best education that she could. At fifteen, Confucius mastered the teachings of the holy sages whose influence had made China a wise and united nation.

   Confucius taught his followers that the secret of good government was in choosing honest and educated officials. At one time Confucius was appointed to a high position in the government of Lu, and he performed so well that he was considered the premier statesman in all of China. But he was subsequently forced to resign by a jealous duke. Confucius then traveled from place to place to find a prince who would listen to him. But his principles of good government were misunderstood or ignored by the rulers of his time.

   Confucius taught for fifty years, yet died practically unknown. The publication after his death of the Five Classics, which recorded his wise teachings, became the bible of Confucianism and the ethical guide for his followers, which then grew in number. Today the grave of Confucius is a place of homage.