Confucius was a Chinese philosopher, poet and politician who was traditionally considered the paragon of Chinese sages. Confucius's teachings and philosophy formed the basis of East Asian culture and society, and continues to remain influential across China and East Asia.

His philosophical teachings, called Confucianism, emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity. Confucianism became a part of the Chinese social fabric and way of life. His followers competed successfully with many other schools during the Hundred Schools of Thought era, only to be suppressed in favor of the Legalists during the Qin dynasty. Confucius's thoughts received official sanction in the government. 

Confucius is traditionally credited with having authored or edited many of the Chinese classic texts, including all of the Five Classics, but modern scholars are cautious of attributing specific assertions to Confucius himself. 

Confucius's principles have commonality with Chinese tradition and belief. He championed strong family loyalty, ancestor veneration, and respect of elders by their children and of husbands by their wives, recommending family as a basis for ideal government. He espoused the principle "Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself". 

TRY THIS!

Pretend you’re a philosopher and write one or two easy-to-understand sentences that explain this quotation from Confucius. Ask the class (or your friends) to choose the one they think best expresses his meaning.