Confucius: Wisdom from the past

Confucius: Wisdom from the past

Who was Confucius?

Kong Qiu, or Master Kong as he was known, did not live to see his days of glory. During his lifetime, his views were received with scorn. But that was about 2,500 years ago. Following his death, a handful of his dedicated followers passed on Confucius' teachings to future generations in the book, The Analects of Confucius.

Confucius' philosophies remained in the archives of ancient Chinese history. As his teachings spread far and wide, his philosophies gained ground. It took many years after Confucius' death for his philosophies to be appreciated and revered, but today, Confucianism is an ethical school of thought adopted by many thinkers around the world.

Multiple Select

What was the name he was born with?

• Master Kong

• Kong Fu

• Kong Qiu

• Kong Fu Zi

Multiple Choice

His students created a book out of his writings. What was that book called?

• The Writings of Confucius

• The Analects of Confucius

• The Dialectics of Confucius

Confucius' Political Life

Though Confucius served the Duke of Lu, a Chinese state, he made many enemies with the nobles of the land. His views antagonized the powerful nobles, who wanted the Duke to be a puppet in their hands. Confucius was exiled from the State of Lu for more than two decades, so he lived in the countryside, spreading his teachings.

Confucius' Ideology and Philosophy

Confucius gave great importance to education. He devoted his time to gain new insights and learned from renowned scholars of his time. He started his own school at the age of 22. At that time, China was undergoing a state of ideological turmoil; all around there was injustice, war, and evil. Confucius established a moral code of conduct based on human principles of mutual respect, good conduct, and familial ties. Confucianism along with Taoism and Buddhism became the three religious pillars of China. Today, Confucius is revered not just as a moral teacher, but a divine soul who saved the world from moral degradation.

Multiple Select

The Three Philosophical Pillars of China are...

• Communism

• Buddhism

• Taoism

• Confucianism

Introduction to his sayings

Here is one of Confucius's sayings: "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." In a few words, Confucius teaches us about patience, perseverance, discipline, and hard work. But if you probe further, you will see more layers. Confucius's philosophies, which are similar to humanist thought, have significantly influenced spiritual and social thought. His views bear insight and depth of wisdom, you can apply his teachings in every sphere of life. 

Confucian proverbs have the power to transform lives, but they are not for casual reading. When you read them once, you feel the power of his words; read twice, and you will appreciate his deep thought; read them over and over again, and you will be enlightened.

Confucius says...

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."

"They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom."

"What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others."

"When anger rises, think of the consequences."

"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals; adjust the action steps."

"Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage." "To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness."

Open Ended

Explain this quote, "What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others."

Multiple Select

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."

Which literary devices are present in this quote?

• Contrast

• Alliteration

• Juxtaposition

• Antithesis

Part 2

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."

"Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure."

"Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire."

"Men's natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart."

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."

Open Ended

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."

What does this mean?

Multiple Select

"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."

Which literary devices are present in this line?

• Metabasis

• Procatalepsis

• Chaiasmus

• Alliteration

• Distinctio

Part 3

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

"Respect yourself and others will respect you." "Silence is a true friend who never betrays."

"The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved."

"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."

"Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without."