Section 2 Confucius Kong Fu Zi

I. Life A. Most famous and important of early Chinese thinkers B. Born in 551 BC to a noble but poor family C. Loved learning and was largely self taught D. Hoped to advance to an important job, but did not succeed E. Became a teacher-possibly China’s first professional teacher F. Accepted students who were not able to pay for an education if they wanted to learn G. Wandered North China looking for a ruler who would follow his teachings, but did not find one H. Considered himself unsuccessful and died at age 73 in 479 BC

II Teachings A. Passed on forgotten teachings of wise people from an earlier age B. Teachings focused on persuading rulers to reform, and bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to kingdoms C. Confucius’s teachings were gathered into a philosophy known as Confucianism 1. practiced along with other religious beliefs and practices 2. worship of ancestors, honoring of gods, living in harmony with nature 3. Taoism stated that one should love nature, and live simple, self less lives

D. Confucius believed that if people could be taught to behave properly toward each other, order and peace would return E. Taught that people should know their place in family and society and should respect people above them and below them F. ‘’Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself” summarizes his teachings found in The Analects

III. Effects Teachings had major impact on Chinese government (Han) Became basic training for members of the civil service Confucius’s ideas became the basis for government jobs-anyone could take the exams to hold government offices Examinations for government offices were based on Confucius’s teachings Even the poor were able to apply and attain high government offices, whereas before Confucius, only the elite could apply (read) Confucius left a lasting mark on Chinese life

Respect to hold in esteem or honor: I cannot respect a cheat. to show regard or consideration for: to respect someone's rights. to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with: to respect a person's privacy. to relate or have reference to.