Confucius

孔子

Lifespan
前551–前479
Nationality
Chinese
Role
Thinker and educator
Books
1

Biography

Chinese thinker and educator of the Spring and Autumn period and founder of Confucianism. His sayings were compiled by disciples into the Analects, centred on ren (benevolence) and li (ritual), shaping East Asian ethics and politics for over two millennia.

Central Ideas

  • Ren (benevolence) and li (ritual)
  • The golden rule of not imposing on others
  • Education and the ideal of the junzi

Books

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