Confucius

Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and statesman from the state of Lu. Born into modest circumstances, he rose through intellect and virtue to become one of the most influential moral thinkers in history. Though he held brief political office, he spent most of his life teaching disciples the importance of ethics, education, and benevolent governance. After his death, his followers compiled his teachings into The Analects, transforming them into the core of Confucianism—a system that shaped East Asia’s politics, education, and culture for centuries. Revered as “The Sage” (Kongzi), Confucius’s ideals of respect, moral leadership, and lifelong learning remain a universal guide to living with integrity and purpose.