Date of Publication: 1691

Chinese name Kung Fu-tse, 551 – 479 BC.    

Chinese political and ethical philosopher and would-be reformer.  Failing to achieve personal ambitions and success, Confucius taught a large number of disciples who carried on, developed, and greatly altered his teachings, so that, by the second century BC, they formed the dominant philosophy in China.  Confucius advocated a this-worldly, rational philosophy, which emphasizes humanity, reverence for the ancient sages, and government by personal virtue. #0547