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Confucius
By Vickie Chao
In the long history of China, there is one dominant school of thought that Chinese
have followed closely for more than 2,000 years. That school of thought was established
by Confucius (551 B.C. - 479 B.C.), the most respected teacher and philosopher in China.
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Confucius was born during an era of chaos. At the time, the emperor of the Eastern
Zhou dynasty became a mere figurehead. He did not have full control of the country.
Instead, he was like a puppet domineered by hundreds of warlords. These military
powerhouses spilt China into smaller states and fought among themselves endlessly. The
on-going wars put the society in disarray. Moral values were low. Divides between rich and poor were wide.
And crime rates were high. Historians call this chaotic time the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C. - 476
B.C.)
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It was against this backdrop that Confucius formed his philosophy and set out to publicize it.
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Confucius believed "ren" ( ) is the highest attainable level in ethics that people must strive to achieve. The
word "ren" means "benevolence," "humanity," or "kindness" in Chinese. To practice "ren," Confucius
encouraged his followers to love others, to honor one's parents, to adore one's siblings, and to do what is right.
He had extensive conversations with his students on this topic. One time, a disciple asked if there is a word a
person can use as a rule of conduct; Confucius replied, "Reciprocity." He then explained, "What you do not
want done to yourself, do not do to others." This seemingly simple verse underlies the core meaning of "ren."
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Throughout Confucius' lifetime, he was looking for an opportunity to put his theories to the test. He first
tried as a civil servant. But that did not really work out. Most of the positions Confucius held were minor, lowranking ones. Then a big break came when he was in his fifties. Confucius was promoted to be the Minister of
Crime in his home state, Lu. He introduced many reforms. He carried out justice fairly. And he managed to
lower the crime rate. Unfortunately, that success was short-lived. Quickly, the ruler of Lu lost interest in
governing. He began to spend more of his time playing around. Confucius tried to counsel the ruler of Lu, but
his advice was ignored. Frustrated, Confucius resigned from the post and left the state of Lu.
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Accompanied by his disciples, Confucius traveled from one state to another to advocate his philosophy. The
wandering led to no fruitful result. He never came across another opportunity to put his theories to the test.
After being on the road for 14 years (some said 13 years), Confucius returned to his home state. He dedicated
the rest of his life to teaching and editing historical texts. Confucius was a kind teacher. He taught everybody
with the same enthusiasm. He selected five ancient Chinese literatures for his students to study. He called the
collection the "Five Classics." Confucius died at the age of 72.
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After Confucius passed away, his students published a book recording their master's wisdom and ideology.
That book became known as Lun Yu or Analects.
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Though Confucius never got to realize his ideas in full swing during his lifetime, his philosophy turned
mainstream 200 years later. The emperor from the Western Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 8 A.D.) canonized
Confucianism (Confucian's school of thought) as the official doctrine. Ever since then, Confucianism has
become the standard of ethics. Lun Yu has become the must-read book.
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Many people think Confucianism is a religion. They are wrong. Confucianism is actually a set of behavioral
and moral guidelines. Its ultimate goal is to make people understand, embrace, and practice "ren."
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Confucius is a very important figure in Chinese history. To bestow him the deepest respect, Chinese don't
refer to Confucius by his birth name, Kong Qiu. Instead, they call him Kong Zi or Kong Fu Zi, meaning
"Master Kong" in Chinese. That reverent title later took on a Latin form and became known as Confucius to
people living outside of China.
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Copyright © 2012 edHelper
Directions: Answer the multiple choice questions below. Each question is worth 6 points. Tell me where you
found the answer to the question 2 points each. Underline where you found the answers in the passage 10
points.
1. What period was Confucius from?
The Summer and Autumn Period
The Summer and Winter Period
The Spring and Summer Period
The Spring and Autumn Period
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
2. China was not a unified country during the time
Confucius lived. There were hundreds of warlords
dividing China into smaller states.
False
True
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
3. What is Confucius' birth name?
Kong Fu Zi
Confucius
Kong Qiu
Kong Zi
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
4. Which of the following is not a meaning of "ren"?
Benevolence
Humanity
Selfish
Kind
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
5. Confucius never saw his ideology being adopted
as the official doctrine during his lifetime.
False
True
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
6. Confucius wrote the book Lun Yu (or Analects) to
advocate his philosophy.
False
True
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
7. Which dynasty was the first to canonize
Confucianism as the official doctrine?
The Western Han dynasty
The Ming dynasty
The Tang dynasty
The Eastern Han dynasty
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
8. What was Confucius' last political position before
he left to travel around China?
The Minister of Defense
The Minister of Crime
The Minister of Finance
The Minister of Internal Affairs
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
9. Which of the following about Confucius is
correct?
He created a religion called Confucianism.
His home state was the state of Chu.
He was a great teacher.
He was born during a peaceful time.
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
10. How many years did Confucius travel around
China to advocate his school of thought?
10
8
14
20
I found the answer in paragraph # _____
Directions: Answer the question below in 2-3 complete sentences.
11. Confucius said, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." Can you think of something you have
done recently that follows this guideline? Describe what you have done, and explain why it conforms to Confucius'
saying. (This is similar to the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.)
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