Seth Millsap 1

Confucius, and David Hinton. The Analects. Washington, D.C: Counterpoint, 1998. Print.
Confucius is a name well-recognized but poorly known in the West. Real name Kong Qiu, this
name was honorifically rendered as Kong Fuzi, literally Master Kong, before being latinized
as Confucius by 16th-century missionaries. Many historians believe Confucius to have been
born around 551 B.C.E. in the Lu state of ancient China; he was born into the shi () class
between aristocracy and commoners and grew up to be a politician. For those unfamiliar,
Confucius is rarely seen as a religious figure. Rather, it is that his teachings take on a life-guiding
nature that can be seen to function like religion, but, even though he does not dwell on many
religious concerns like souls, he does touch on certain matters such as an afterlife. He, as an
exemplarily virtuous person, simply serves as a role model.
The condition of politics of Confuciuss homeland, the Lu state, was fairly fractured, as
was often the case in ancient China, which has a particularly bloody and intrigue-filled history.
Many leaders who engaged in politics derived their legitimacy from military authority and
successes; Confucius possessed no military history or support, instead relying on diplomacy.
Confuciuss insight into human character became apparent when he neutralized a revolt by
gathering the heads of three families at the local Dukes stronghold when a rebel faction from
one of the familys lands was moving against the Duke. The attackers retreated, having become
aware that they would be rendered as rebels against their own state by their actions. From actions
like these, Confucius was regarded as being politically shrewd while also being peaceful and
honorable. However, he would enter a voluntary exile later in his life to express discontent with
the contemporary leadership in the Lu state; he traveled the northeastern Chinese states before
returning to Lu at age 68. He spent his last years teaching disciples and passing on his wisdom.
The nature of the Analects is such that any given passage serves like a pithy axiom.
Perhaps most famous in the West is, Zi Gong asked: Is there any one word that could guide a

Seth Millsap 2
person throughout life? The Master replied: How about reciprocity! Never impose on others
what you would not choose for yourself (25.24). Many children, kindergarteners forward, are
taught this rule in some simplified form as the golden rule. Confucius emphasized a life of
consideration and empathy that is particularly meaningful against the dangerous world of
historical Chinese politics.
Other Quotes: When the stables were burnt down, on returning from court Confucius said,
Was anyone hurt? He did not ask about the horses (10.11).
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
Analysis: Confucius has been a very valuable source for my inquiry project. I was not formally
familiar with him prior to studying him in my spare time this semester, and enjoyed what I
learned. I wanted to have particularly established voices for both the East and West in my inquiry
project, so was glad and eager to incorporate a writer like Confucius.