Confucius

Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.

He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

I was not born with knowledge, but I am quick to seek it.

To say you know when you know, and to say you do not know when you do not, that is knowledge.

Profile / Biography

No one person has more greatly influenced the development of the world than Confucius.  His philosophies and thoughts are the basis for the most populous countries in the world, those in East Asia such as China and Japan.

Confucius is traditionally believed to have lived from 551-479 BCE.  His philosophies put an emphasis on morality, justice, sincerity, and the correctness of social relationships both in government and among individuals.  During the Han dynasty, the thoughts and ideas of Confucius were considered to be the imperial orthodoxy.

Confucius’ early years were not without controversy, as he has been accused of murder through government in the death of at least one person, who seems to have had idea’s that did not follow Confucius’ own.  He was exiled for a time due to the controversy following the execution.

Confucius’ thoughts and philosophies can be found in many books, including the most comprehensive Analects. Confucius makes no claims to discovery, describing himself as a transmitter dedicated to study.  He believed rulers should gain power through merit, not through inheritance, and that they should be devoted symbols for their people.

Confucianism has taken on almost a religious overtone, although his thoughts were mostly concerned with the temporal.  His influence continues to be legendary in China today.