Biography of Confucius

Year of birth: 551
Year of death: 479
Confucius was born in 551 b.c. in China during the spring and Autumn Period, the State of Lu, in the city of Zou, in that portion of the territory that is now part of Shandong province. The traditional biography of the Chinese philosopher is stated in "memoirs of a historian" by Sima Qian, in which Confucius comes from a family of noble origins, but economic conditions floride, which descends from the Shang dynasty.

Childhood

While it is still child Confucius loses father, and is then bred solely by the mother: ella, however, manages to give an optimal education despite the situation of poverty in the home. Confucius grows, and lives in a period of corruption, political instability (almost of anarchy) and wars fought between the feudal States. The news about his life, however, are few and uncertain.

Social climbing

What is certain is that he manages to become protagonist of social climbing that allows him to enter emerging social class among the Shi'a, halfway between the population and the ancient nobility which includes men of humble origins but very talented, with the ability to get to a high position by virtue of his intellectual qualities. Park and humble, follows a rather moderate lifestyle, choosing to live in the countryside, far from the city, to pursue a secluded existence marked by fasting and the transmission of knowledge: for his teachings does not want to get paid, but prefers offers in nature.

The philosophy of Confucius

The Outlook on life of the philosopher Confucius is based on collective and individual ethics that is rooted in justice and righteousness, but also in the importance of social relationships and ritual traditions. Loyalty and respect for others are treated as essential skills, as well as the reflection and learning of knowledge aimed at improving oneself and other people. He himself qualifies as a Messenger that has the role of communicating the wisdom of the ancients. Confucius therefore requires its followers to deepen their knowledge of ancient times and texts of the past, from which they must be drawn lessons for the present.

The exile

The Confucius school, often regarded as an example of education among his contemporaries, but vista is not frowned upon by the ruling class, which marginalizes the philosopher forcing him even to flee. After fifty years, he was appointed Minister of Justice of the Duke of Lu, but is then forced to resign. It is then forced to live in exile outside of China for a certain period; travel between the States of Wei Song and try to find work as a counselor at various Governors.

The return to teaching

On his return in the State of Lu, however, surrounds himself again by students and incorporates the teachings, who return to attract the attention of many, including the Chinese authorities of several feudal States, but this time in a positive sense: to the extent that the philosopher, in the last years of his life, becomes a courtier much respected and well-liked as an Ambassador. Faces, during this period, the treachery of Rau Qin, one of his pupils favoured, and the death of Yan Hui, another of his favorite students, and of the son. It also deals with administrative duties for the Governor of the province in which he resides, managing livestock and pastures and small shops. At the age of sixty-five, Confucius is getting married in second marriage with a girl of fifteen: the marriage, however, was considered a Union not lawful for the customs of the time. Confucius died in 479 BC at the age of 72 years: about eighty years after his death, his disciples will gather and organize the teachings of Confucianism and their master in "dialogues", dating back to 401 BC.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.