Who was Confucius and when did he live?

Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a renowned Chinese teacher, philosopher, and political theorist. Born in Qufu in the state of Lu, he is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of China and East Asia.12

Rather than acting as a founder of a religion in the traditional sense, Confucius viewed himself as a transmitter of cultural values and social norms from the early Zhou dynasty. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of learning and the promotion of a moral community, emphasizing the importance of filial piety (xiao) and humanity (ren). His teachings, which were later compiled by his disciples in the Analects, advocate for self-cultivation and the belief that social order is best achieved through moral leadership and ritual performance rather than force.342