World Civ 1 Confucius essay Confucius was a philosopher, a teacher and a political figure. Confucius was born in 551 B.C. in Tuo, China. He founded Confucianism, which became a model for the way Chinese society developed over the centuries. Confucius died in 479 B.C. in Qufu, China. Today he is widely considered one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history. Confucius was a poor descendant of a former ruling family who was kicked off the throne. As a child, he was already gathering people to him by holding make believe temple rituals. As a young adult, he quickly earned a reputation for fairness, politeness and love of learning. He traveled a lot and studied at the imperial capital, in Zhou, where he is said to have met and spoke with Lao Zi, the founder of Daoism. When Confucius returned to Lu, he infamously gained word as a teacher. Although, when Confucius was 35, Duke Zhao of Lu led his country to war. He fled to the neighboring country of Qi. When the Duke fled, Confucius followed. Duke Zhao frequently came to Confucius for advice. When other nobles began plotting against Confucius' position, Duke Zhao refused to intervene, and Confucius returned to Lu. When he did return to Lu, the conditions there were no better than they were before. Confucius, having seen this, …show more content…
Book II deals largely with issues of government. Books III to IV are seen as the core of the book, outlining Confucius's ideas. The Tao, or the Way, refers to a path or road. In the context of the work it refers to the manner in which anything is done, like a method or doctrine. Confucius speaks often about the Tao under Heaven, meaning a good way or path to achieving good morality. The gentleman is the central term in The Analects. A gentleman is one who follows the Way and acts according to a system of morals and beliefs that are not common amongst other