Confucius

NAME Confucius, born K'ung Fu-Tsu (meaning "The Master"), was a Chinese philosopher and teacher whose Latinized name "Confucius" became widely known.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Confucius is best known for founding Confucianism, a philosophical system emphasizing moral values, family loyalty, and social harmony. His teachings influenced Chinese society deeply and continue to shape Eastern thought.

BIRTH Confucius was born on September 28, 551 BC, in the Lu state (modern-day Shandong Province), China.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Born into a once-noble but impoverished family, his father, Kong He, was seventy and a former military officer, while his mother, Yan Zhengzai, was only fifteen. His father had fled from the State of Song, and Confucius had nine older sisters and a disabled older brother. After his father died when Confucius was three, his mother raised him alone, despite being rejected by her husband's family and prohibited from attending his funeral.

CHILDHOOD Growing up in poverty, Confucius subsisted on a diet of rice and cabbage, with occasional pork and bean broth. He was a shy and lonely child, often playing with clay toys and flying kites. From a young age, he was drawn to rituals, arranging ritual vases on tables and showing respect for traditional practices.

EDUCATION Despite his humble origins, Confucius received an education in the Lu state, known for preserving Zhou dynasty traditions. This education laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to the principles of governance, morality, and ritual.

CAREER RECORD At the age of 16, Confucius took on a minor administrative role, overseeing granaries. Confucius worked various government jobs in his early 20s, including as a bookkeeper and caretaker of sheep and horses

However, his true calling emerged at 22 when he established his own school, marking the beginning of his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and education.

Around 501 BC, at age 50, Confucius was appointed to the minor position of governor of a town in Lu state. He eventually rose to become Minister of Crime in Lu.  His effective governance, characterized by the suppression of crime and the promotion of morality, earned him recognition. However, political intrigue and jealousy led to his forced exile.

In 497 BC, at age 54, Confucius left his position and went into self-exile after a political disagreement. He traveled for about 12 years, seeking a ruler who would embrace his ideals and implement his vision for a just and harmonious society. Despite his tireless efforts, he was unable to find a leader who shared his commitment to virtue and good governance.

At age 68, Confucius returned to his home state of Lu at the invitation of the chief minister. In his later years, he sometimes acted as an advisor to government officials in Lu on matters of governance and crime

APPEARANCE Confucius, a towering figure in both philosophy and stature, was said to be exceptionally tall for his time. Ancient texts describe him as being 9 chi and 6 cun tall, which could translate to anywhere from 6'5" (1.9m) to 7'2" (2.2m). While these measurements may be exaggerated, they suggest a man of imposing physical presence.

Beyond his height, Confucius was reportedly quite strong physically. Some accounts claim he possessed extraordinary abilities, such as being able to lift heavy city gate bolts. This physical prowess, combined with his intellectual brilliance, made him a truly remarkable individual.

His distinctive appearance was marked by an unusually shaped head, with sides that rose higher than the center. He was also said to have large ears and wide eyes, features often associated with wisdom and insight in Chinese culture. In later life, he was depicted with a long beard, a symbol of age, experience, and wisdom.

Portrait by Qiu Ying (1494–1552), Ming dynasty

It's important to remember that most depictions of Confucius were created centuries after his death.  Therefore, artistic interpretations may not capture his exact appearance. However, these portrayals typically depict him as an older man with a beard, dressed in long scholarly robes, often holding a scroll or book. This image has come to represent wisdom and learning within Chinese culture.

FASHION As a boy, Confucius wore plain metal necklaces resembling a dog collar, a practice intended to fool evil spirits into leaving him unharmed.

Confucius believed that clothing played a vital role in social interactions. He championed the concept of proper attire, advocating for dress that reflected both your social status and the occasion . Put simply, he emphasized wearing clothes that were appropriate for your place in society and the event you were attending 

For everyday wear, Confucius likely donned the traditional scholarly robes of his time, known as hanfu. This ensemble likely comprised several layers:

Yi (衣): An open-fronted garment with a cross-collar 

Ru (襦): A shirt with a similar open cross-collar, worn underneath the yi 

Shan (衫): An open cross-collar jacket worn over the yi for added warmth 

Chang (裳): A type of skirt or lower garment that completed the outfit 

For more formal events, Confucius may have chosen a sim-ui, a long white ceremonial robe reaching his ankles . This specific garment symbolized his dedication to Confucian scholarship.

Confucius favored simplicity and practicality in his clothing choices. He preferred unadorned robes in basic colors like blue, yellow, red, white, and black. Flashier colors like purple were not his style. It's likely he wore a simple cloth cap on his head.

CHARACTER Confucius valued compassion and justice, believing that good governance required personal moral integrity. His teachings emphasized family bonds, loyalty, and moral rectitude. He was highly self-disciplined and attentive to rituals.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Confucius’ sense of humor was often subtle and rooted in wisdom. In one instance, he encountered a woman living in a tiger-prone area who said she preferred it to living under oppressive government. Confucius remarked to his disciples, “Remember that oppressive government is worse than a tiger.”

RELATIONSHIPS Confucius married at the age of 19 to a woman named Qiguan (亓官氏) or Qiguanshi. Together, they had three children: a son named Kong Li (孔鯉), also known as Boyu (12), and two daughters, one of whom likely passed away in childhood (1).

While specific details about their relationship are scarce, some sources suggest that their domestic life may not have been entirely harmonious. One possible bone of contention was that Confucius was particular about food presentation, which did not align with his wife’s cooking style. It's even speculated that Confucius and Qiguan may have eventually divorced, though this remains uncertain. Most scholars believe they did indeed separate at some point.

Beyond her surname, very little information is available about Qiguan's background or personal life (4).

Confucius valued strong interpersonal relationships and emphasized the importance of filial piety, respect for elders, and loyalty to one's family and community.

MONEY AND FAME Despite his later fame, Confucius lived humbly and was never driven by wealth or personal gain. Instead, he sought to find a ruler who would implement his vision for a just society.

He accepted valuable aid from some of his students but he also welcomed students who could only afford to pay a small fee. 

FOOD AND DRINK Confucius was meticulous about food. He believed meat should be cut in square pieces, served with the correct sauce, and rice should be white and finely minced. These ideals reflected his emphasis on ritual and order.

Confucius and his disciples were parched from their journey. One of his followers stumbled upon a hidden puddle of rainwater and, filled with kindness, scooped some water into his rice bowl to offer to his revered teacher.  Confucius, ever the philosopher, declined the offering. He gently explained, "This small amount of water is insufficient for one, let alone for all of us. Let us continue our journey and trust that we will find sustenance."

MUSIC AND ARTS Confucius stressed the importance of music, for the Chinese music of this time had ceremonial and religious functions important in state functions and worship

Confucius collected and curated traditional Chinese songs, dances, and music as part of his dedication to preserving Chinese culture. His compilation included 300 songs, ceremonial pieces, love songs, and work songs.

LITERATURE Confucius was a prolific writer and editor.. He spent much of his life compiling and editing the ancient Chinese holy writings. His work with these texts helped preserve and pass down the history, poetry, and teachings of earlier eras. The Analects, is a collection of his sayings and teachings.

The Analects (of Confucius) vol.2 Hachi-itsu.

Modern books, such as Confucius Lives Next Door by T.R. Reid, explore how Confucian values still influence societies today, particularly in East Asia, underscoring the enduring relevance of his teachings in contemporary culture.

NATURE Confucius had a profound respect for nature and often drew inspiration from the natural world. He believed that humans should live in harmony with nature.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Flying kites was one of Confucius’ childhood pastimes. As an adult, he was dedicated to ritual practices and scholarly pursuits rather than leisure activities. However, he may have enjoyed traditional Chinese pastimes such as calligraphy, painting, and playing the guqin (a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument).

SCIENCE AND MATHS While Confucius was not a scientist or mathematician in the modern sense, he valued the importance of practical knowledge and empirical observation, which are key principles in mathematics and science.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Confucius positioned himself as a transmitter of ancient wisdom rather than an originator of new ideas. He developed his philosophy during a tumultuous period of Chinese history, the Warring States period (481-221 BC), characterized by political instability and social unrest.

As a dedicated teacher, Confucius gathered a group of devoted disciples who accompanied him on his travels. He sought a wise ruler who would implement his vision of a just and harmonious society. His teachings, rooted in reason rather than supernatural beliefs, emphasized the importance of ethical behavior, social harmony, and good governance. Confucius believed that leaders had a moral obligation to govern justly and fairly, treating their subjects with compassion and respect.

His philosophy is encapsulated in timeless sayings such as:

"What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."

"When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self."

"The people may be made to follow a course of action, but they may not be made to understand it."

Confucius also stressed the importance of personal cultivation, advocating for five virtues: gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. These virtues, he believed, were essential for achieving a harmonious and virtuous life.

It's worth noting that during Confucius's lifetime, a significant event occurred in the history of Judaism: the return of the Jewish people from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. While geographically distant, both Confucius and the Jewish people were seeking to restore moral and social order in their respective societies.

It's important to note that Confucianism is a dynamic philosophy that has evolved over time. Later scholars expanded upon Confucius' original ideas, and the philosophy has had a profound and lasting impact on East Asian cultures.

POLITICS Confucius believed in governance led by virtue and justice rather than by force or punishment. He sought a ruler who would adopt his model for ethical and humane governance, though he never succeeded in finding one willing to fully embrace his philosophy.

One day, Confucius encountered an elderly woman weeping bitterly beside a grave. Curious, he inquired about the reason for her sorrow. The woman explained that a ferocious tiger had claimed the lives of her husband, father-in-law, and most recently, her only son. Puzzled, Confucius asked, "Why, then, do you choose to live in such a dangerous place?" The woman replied, "Because there is no oppressive government here." Confucius turned to his disciples and said, "Remember this, my children..."

SCANDAL During his tenure as a high-ranking official in the state of Lu, Confucius issued a controversial order for the arrest and execution of Sau-Zhen-Mau, a respected figure. While the reasons cited were vague, this action raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power. It's worth noting, however, that some historians dispute this account, attributing it to later embellishments.

The King of Lu, disapproving of Confucius's actions, publicly snubbed him during a significant ritual, a clear sign of disapproval. This incident, along with other political factors, led to Confucius's forced exile from his homeland.

MILITARY RECORD Confucius came from the shi class, which traditionally served as warriors and minor aristocrats. However, by his time, many shi had become itinerant advisors and teachers rather than active military personnel

Confucius's teachings emphasized moral and ethical governance rather than military prowess. He focused on virtue, social harmony, and proper conduct as the basis for good rulership

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Confucius likely maintained a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and meditation.

Confucius was aware of various remedies and treated ailments with herbal medicine, using mulberry for inner ear issues, yam for fatigue, and buckbean root for the common cold.

HOMES  The actual residences where Confucius lived during his life are unknown. 

The most famous residence associated with Confucius is the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong Province. However, this mansion was not Confucius' personal home, but rather the historical residence of his direct descendants. The extant structures of the Kong Family Mansion mainly date from the Ming and Qing dynasties, long after Confucius' time. Today, the Kong Family Mansion is a museum and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu". It comprises 152 buildings with 480 rooms, covering an area of 12,470 square metres.

TRAVEL Confucius, disillusioned with the political climate of his time, abandoned his political career in Lu at the age of fifty. He embarked on a twelve-year journey across China, seeking a ruler who would embrace his vision of a just and harmonious society. This period, known as "touring the kingdoms," was a challenging one. Confucius encountered mixed reactions from the various rulers he met. Some were indifferent to his teachings, while others outright rejected his ideas. Despite these setbacks, Confucius persevered, driven by his unwavering belief in the power of his philosophy to transform society.

DEATH Confucius's later years were marked by profound loss. He mourned the deaths of both his beloved son and several cherished disciples. He died in 479 BC aged 72, feeling he had failed to realize his vision for a just society.

Confucius was laid to rest on the banks of the Sishui River, north of Qufu City in Shandong Province. His initial burial site was a modest affair, consisting of an axe-shaped tomb and a brick platform for offerings. Over time, the reverence for Confucius grew, leading to the expansion of his burial site.

Starting from the Han Dynasty, emperors began to expand the cemetery, transforming it into a vast complex. Today, the Cemetery of Confucius, or Kong Lin, spans over 183 hectares and houses the graves of more than 100,000 of Confucius' descendants. This sacred site has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, with its perimeter wall eventually reaching a length of 7.5 kilometers.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Cemetery of Confucius was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, alongside the Temple of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Confucius’ life has been depicted in numerous books, films, and documentaries, illustrating his philosophical journey and his profound impact on Chinese culture. Here are a few ways Confucius has been represented in media:

1. Documentaries and Historical Dramas

Documentaries: Confucius appears in numerous documentaries focused on Eastern philosophy and Chinese history, such as Confucius: Words of Wisdom (2013) and Confucius Was a Foodie (2016), which explores Chinese culture and cuisine through the lens of Confucian values.

Historical Dramas: Confucius has been portrayed in historical films like Confucius (2010), starring Chow Yun-Fat, which dramatizes his life, his journey as a teacher, and the societal challenges he faced. This film blends fact with fiction to explore his philosophical journey and influence in ancient China.

2. Television Series and Educational Programs

Many educational shows, especially in China, have dedicated episodes to Confucian teachings, discussing concepts like ren (benevolence), li (ritual propriety), and xiao (filial piety). His teachings have been presented in children's programming and animated series, where the focus is on simplifying his ideas for a young audience.

In Western media, series on world religions and philosophy, like PBS’s Confucius and the Golden Rule, introduce Confucius and his values to viewers unfamiliar with his legacy.

3. Pop Culture References

Quotes and Parodies: Confucius’ aphorisms often appear in pop culture, sometimes humorously. His famous sayings are frequently quoted or paraphrased, sometimes in parody form (e.g., “Confucius say…” jokes).

Anime and Video Games: Confucius occasionally appears as a wise character or reference point in anime and video games, particularly in those featuring historical or mythological themes. Civilization VI includes Confucius as one of the "Great Philosophers" that players can recruit, showcasing his role as a cultural figure with unique bonuses for development.

ACHIEVEMENTS Confucius’ legacy endures through Confucianism, the state religion of China from 136 BC, and the guiding philosophy for millions for over 2,500 years. His teachings on ethics, family loyalty, and moral governance remain highly influential in China and beyond. 

His family, the Kongs, have the longest recorded pedigree chart in the world, with over 2 million descendants and a history preserved through 83 generations.

Sources Encarta Encyclopedia, Faber Book of Anecdotes