Confucius (c. 551 – c. 479 BCE), born Kong Qiu, was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and political figure during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. He is traditionally regarded as the paragon of Chinese sages and the founder of Confucianism, a philosophical system emphasizing personal and governmental morality, social harmony, righteousness, kindness, sincerity, and the importance of a ruler leading by virtue
. Confucius advocated for strong family loyalty, filial piety (respect for elders and ancestors), and the idea that a robust family unit was the foundation of an ideal government. He is famous for the ethical principle known as the Silver Rule: "Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself." His teachings were compiled posthumously in the Analects, which have been highly influential throughout Chinese history and East Asia
. He lived during a time of political fragmentation and social turmoil in China and worked as a government official before becoming a teacher and philosopher. His ideas gained official recognition during the Han dynasty and shaped Chinese culture, education, and governance for centuries. Confucianism also evolved into Neo-Confucianism during later dynasties and continues to influence East Asian societies today
. In summary, Confucius was a foundational figure in Chinese philosophy whose teachings on ethics, family, and governance have had a lasting impact on Chinese civilization and beyond.
