Confucius & Socrates

Some teachers are so inspirational that their influence lives on long after they die.

- Regina Hansen

This is true of both the Chinese philosopher Confucius and the Greek philosopher Socrates. Their reputations and impact have grown through the centuries, even though people still disagree about what they actually said.

Meet Confucius

Kongzi or Kongfuzi, better known in English as Confucius, was born in Qufu, China, in 551 b.c.e. He lived during a time when traditional values seemed to be deteriorating. His main purpose as a teacher was to restore the Chinese principle of ren, which can mean “goodness,” “loving others,” or “humaneness.” His philosophy stressed the motto: “What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” If this idea seems familiar, that is because it is common to many world religions and is similar to the biblical golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

The teachings of Confucius focus on treating people with compassion, especially in family relationships and in interactions between political leaders and their followers. Confucius wanted people to value education, be humble, and have good manners. He also taught the importance of respect for elders and ancestors, known as “filial piety.”

Although Confucius died before his ideas became well known, his students wrote down his most important sayings. Over time, these were collected into a book that became known as the Lunyu, or The Analects of Confucius.