Confucius was an influential Chinese philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn period in China. He taught disciples about his philosophy which emphasized morality, social relationships, and righteousness. Though he failed to influence rulers during his life, his teachings were developed into the philosophical system of Confucianism which was influential in China and East Asia for over 2000 years. The Analects compiled his discussions with disciples and demonstrated his emphasis on study and thinking for oneself rather than building a systematic theory. His teachings centered around principles of faithfulness, sincerity, and respecting oneself and others.

1. ORIENTAL
PHILOSOPHY
Confucianism

2. CONFUCIANISM
On the Life of Confucius & the Philosophy of Confucianism

3.  His philosophy emphasized personal and
governmental morality, correctness of social
relationships, and justice and sincerity. Used since
then as the imperial orthodoxy, Confucius'
thoughts have been developed into a vast and
complete philosophical system known in the west
as Confucianism.

4.  Confucius was a famous thinker and social
philosopher of China, whose teachings have
deeply influenced East Asia for centuries. Living in
the Spring and Autumn period (a time when
feudal states fought against each other), he was
convinced of his ability to restore the world's
order, though failed. After much travelling around
China to promote his ideas among rulers, he
eventually became involved in teaching disciples.

5.  The Analects is a short collection of his discussions
with disciples, compiled posthumously. These
contain an overview of his teachings. Confucius
presents himself as a transmitter who invented
nothing and his greatest emphasis may be on
study, the Chinese character that opens the book.
In this respect, he is seen by Chinese people as the
Greatest Master.

6.  Far from trying to build a systematic theory of life
and society, he wanted his disciples to think
deeply for themselves and relentlessly study the
outside world. For almost two thousand years,
Analects had also been the fundamental course of
study for any Chinese scholar, for a man was not
considered morally upright or enlightened if he
did not study Confucius' works.

7. The following quotes from The Analects demonstrate
the simplicity and wisdom of Confucianism;
 “Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first
principles.”
 “I am not one who was born in the possession of
knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and
earnest in seeking it there.”

8.  “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.”
 “Men's natures are alike; it is their habits that carry
them far apart.”
 “Respect yourself and others will respect you.”
 “Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees
it.”