Key People
Confucius (circa 551BC ~ circa 479BC)
Confucius' is the Latinised form of the Chinese K'ung Fu Tzu. Confucius was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician and most importantly, a philosopher. He was born in 551BC and later died in 479 BC, at the age of 71 or 72. He lived in the State of Lu during the Zhou Dynasty. Confucius was a government official and during his lifetime, he saw growing disorder and chaos in the state. He therefore developed a new moral code based on respect and social, political and religious thought and travelled through various states, in the hope of getting some people to change.
Confucius’ philosophy laid out the foundation of beliefs for Confucianism.
Confucius' is the Latinised form of the Chinese K'ung Fu Tzu. Confucius was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician and most importantly, a philosopher. He was born in 551BC and later died in 479 BC, at the age of 71 or 72. He lived in the State of Lu during the Zhou Dynasty. Confucius was a government official and during his lifetime, he saw growing disorder and chaos in the state. He therefore developed a new moral code based on respect and social, political and religious thought and travelled through various states, in the hope of getting some people to change.
Confucius’ philosophy laid out the foundation of beliefs for Confucianism.
Mencius (circa 371 - circa 289)
He is now considered to be the second most influential individual in Confucianism. During his era, he is thought to be even more influential than Confucius himself, as he systemised Confucius' philosophies by teaching important noblemen and rulers. He also helped develop the idea that people were born innately good. He believed that humans are born innately good, but need good education, good influences and effort to train this goodness or otherwise become evil. This justified the harsh imperial control and hierarchical society that was present during that time.
He is now considered to be the second most influential individual in Confucianism. During his era, he is thought to be even more influential than Confucius himself, as he systemised Confucius' philosophies by teaching important noblemen and rulers. He also helped develop the idea that people were born innately good. He believed that humans are born innately good, but need good education, good influences and effort to train this goodness or otherwise become evil. This justified the harsh imperial control and hierarchical society that was present during that time.