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Confucius

Teacher and minor official from the state of Lu whose sayings and conversations, collected by later disciples, became the foundation of Confucianism. He sought…

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孔子

Also known as Kongzi, Kong Qiu, Kong Fuzi, Zhongni

551 – 479 BCE · Qufu, State of Lu

Traditions: Chinese

Schools: Confucianism

Teacher and minor official from the state of Lu whose sayings and conversations, collected by later disciples, became the foundation of Confucianism. He sought to restore social harmony through moral cultivation, ritual propriety and the example of virtuous rulers.

Key ideas

  • Ren: humaneness or benevolence toward others
  • Li: ritual propriety as the form of ethical life
  • The junzi, the exemplary person, as a moral ideal
  • Rectification of names: words should match roles and realities

Major works

  • The Analects (Lunyu, compiled by disciples after his death)
  • Spring and Autumn Annals (traditionally attributed as editor)

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