Confucius was a philosopher from China in the 6th-5th century BCE who developed the system of thought known as Confucianism. A key Confucian belief was that people should have five fundamental relationships in society defined by roles of father-son, older brother-younger brother, husband-wife, friend-friend, and ruler-subject. Confucius also emphasized the importance of filial piety, the virtue of respecting one's parents and ancestors.