1. Confucius:
An Introduction

2. Confucius : Background
Confucius is one of the most famous philosophers in Chinese History.
He was born in 551 BC, to a poor family within the North China Plain.
His lesser-known, birth-name, is K’ung Ch’iu

3. Confucius : Background
When Confucius was 3 years old, his father passed away.
Confucius always had an interest in government, but ended up pursuing teaching.
He believed that he could change the world by influencing future leaders (his students).

4. Confucius : Education
During Confucius’s time, only wealthy families were able to afford schooling.
Because of this, Confucius opened his own school to educate poor students.
He believed that education & knowledge belonged to anyone who had the desire to learn.

5. Confucius : Teachings
Confucius, however, was not a typical teacher as you know of today.
Confucius developed a new moral code based on respect, honesty, education, kindness, & strong family bonds.
This code eventually became known as “Confucianism”.
*Note: Confucianism is not a religion, but a philosophy or spiritual practice.

6. Confucius : The Analects
Throughout his teaching, Confucius was known for his inspirational sayings and ideas.
He, himself, never wrote down any of his teachings, but his students recorded these phrases into a book called THE ANALECTS.

7. Confucius : The Analects
THE ANALECTS contain various quotes from Confucius, including:
“DO NOT DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU YOURSELF DO NOT WANT.”
“IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW SLOWLY YOU GO, SO LONG AS YOU DO NOT STOP.”
“EVERYTHING HAS ITS BEAUTY, BUT NOT EVERYONE SEES IT.”

8. Confucius : Government
Confucius believed that a good government was the basis for a peaceful and happy society.
The basis for a good government, according to Confucius, was good officials.

9. Confucius : 5 Virtues
In order to become a “good official”, a person had to master FIVE VIRTUES.
VIRTUES are behaviors that show high moral standards

10. Confucius : 5 Virtues
The first virtue, according to Confucianism is Li.
Li represents etiquette & manners.
ANALECT: “Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.”

11. Confucius : 5 Virtues The second virtue of Confucianism is Ren.
Ren represents kindness to fellow men.
ANALECT: “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.”

12. Confucius : 5 Virtues The third virtue of Confucianism is Xin.
Xin represents truthfulness, faithfulness, & sincerity.
ANALECT: “The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.”

13. Confucius : 5 Virtues The fourth virtue of Confucianism is Yi.
Yi represents RIGHTEOUSNESS & HONESTY.
ANALECT: “When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.”

14. Confucius : 5 Virtues The fifth virtue of Confucianism is Xiao.
Xiao represents STRONG FAMILY VALUES.
ANALECT: “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

15. Confucius : Relationships