Master Kong

Master Kong

Master Kong, also known as Confucius, was a Chinese philosopher and politician of the Spring and Autumn period. The philosophy of Confucius, also known as Confucianism, emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity.

Early Life

Master Kong was born in the district of Zou, within the state of Lu. His father, Kong He, also known as Shuliang He, was an officer in the Lu military. Kong He died when Confucius was three years old, and Confucius was raised by his mother Yan Zhengzai in poverty.

Career

Master Kong's early career was in minor government posts. He rose to the position of Justice Minister in Lu. Later, he spent many years wandering through several states, including Wei, Song, and Chen, accompanied by his disciples.

Philosophy

Master Kong's philosophy, known as Confucianism, is characterized by its system of moral, social, political, and philosophical thought. It has had a broad and far-reaching impact on the culture and history of East Asia.

Social Philosophy

Master Kong's social philosophy largely revolves around the concept of Ren, or "humaneness". This is the idea that individuals can better themselves through practice and that this self-improvement helps to build a better society.

Political Philosophy

Master Kong's political philosophy is rooted in his belief that a ruler should learn self-discipline, should govern his subjects by his own example, and should treat them with love and concern.

Legacy

Master Kong's teachings were later turned into an elaborate set of rules and practices by his numerous disciples and followers, who organized his teachings into the Analects. His thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism.

See Also

• Analects
• Confucianism
• Lu
• Ren

References

• The Analects of Confucius. Translated by Arthur Waley. Vintage Books, 1989.
• Confucius: His Life and Legacy in Art. China Institute Gallery, 2010.
• The World of Thought in Ancient China. Benjamin I. Schwartz. Harvard University Press, 1985.

External Links

• The Confucius Institute
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Entry on Confucius