In the following lines we tell you about the life of Confucius. It is a
sort of Confucius biography. Read on to know about Confucius life
history.
Much of what is known about Confucius life is legendary. It is hard to
separate facts from fiction. Confucius was born in 551 BCE in the city
of Qufu, which was located in the Chinese State of Lu (now part of
present-day Shandong Province). His original name was K'ung Ch'iu.
Confucius was born into a poor family. His father was a commander of a
district in Lu. But, Confucius nevertheless received a fine education.
He was married at the age of 19 and had one son and two daughters.
Confucius taught in his school for many years. His theories and
principles were spread throughout China by his disciples, and soon many
people learned from his wise sayings. Some of Confucius quotes, famous
around the world are:
Confucius had no opportunity to put his theories to a
public test until the age of 52. At 52, he was appointed magistrate of
Chung-tu. The next year, he became Minister of crime of the state of Lu.
His administration was successful; reforms were introduced, justice was
fairly dispensed, and crime was almost eliminated. Lu became very
powerful under Confucius. As a result, the ruler of a neighboring state
maneuvered to secure the minister's dismissal.
Confucius left his office in 496 BC, traveling about and teaching,
vainly hoping that some other prince would allow him to undertake
measures of reform. In 484 BC, after a fruitless search for an ideal
ruler, he returned for the last time to Lu. Confucius was then abandoned
from his province and he wandered about China for 13 years. When
Confucius was 69 years old, he returned to Lu, his home state.
Confucius died 3 years after settling in Lu - 479 BC. After Confucius
died, he was buried in a grave in the city of Ch'uFu, Shandong. Today
the site of his final resting place is the beautiful K'ung Forest.
When Confucius died, many people built temples in every city of China
to honor him and his work. Since Confucius teachings and philosophy were
so advanced, it became the education for China for 2,000 years. It is
called Confucianism.
