WHAT IS IT ABOUT CONFUCIUS

Synopsis

Kong Qui, better known as Confucius, was born in 551 B.C. in the Lu state of China (near
present-day Qufu). His teachings, preserved in the Analects, focused on creating ethical models
of family and public interaction, and setting educational standards. He died in 479 B.C.
Confucianism later became the official imperial philosophy of China, and was extremely
influential during the Han, Tang and Song dynasties.

Early Life

Confucius, also known as Kong Qui or Kung Fu-tzu, was born probably in 551 B.C. (lunar
calendar) in present-day Qufu, Shandong Province, China. Little is known of his
childhood. Records of the Historian, written by Ssu-ma Chien (born 145 B.C.; died 86 B.C.)
offers the most detailed account of Confucius life. However, some contemporary historians are
skeptical as to the records accuracy, regarding it as myth, not fact. According to Records of the
Historian, Confucius was born into a royal family of the Chou Dynasty. Other accounts describe
him as being born into poverty. What is undisputed about Confucius life is that he existed
during a time of ideological crisis in China.

LOOKING AT THE ANALECTS

The analects of confucius is an anthology of brief passages that present the words
of confucius and his disciples, describe Confucius as a man, and recount some of the
events of his life. The Analects includes twenty books, each generally featuring a series
of chapters that encompass quotes from Confucius, which were compiled by his
disciples after his death.

CONFUCIANISM TODAY

The last several years have seen an official revival of Confucianism in China. President Hu
Jintao has developed the idea of a "Harmonious Socialist Society," drawing on Confucian ideas.
The government has set up a network of cultural Confucius Institutes around the world. And
earlier this year, a statue of Confucius was erected in Tiananmen Square. How extensive is the
Confucian revival and what are its contours? What is its cultural, religious, and political
significance? Dr. Li Yiu, a postdoctoral fellow at the Berkley Center and executive director of
Center for Study of Religion and Society at Shanghai University, addressed these questions.

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