Confucius is known to Chinese as ‘Master Kong’
Photo: Collected
It is a wonder to record the date of birth and death of a human being thousands of years ago. This is what happened to the great philosopher Confucius, known to the Chinese as Master Kong. The day of his birth (September 28, 551 BC) and the day of his death (April 11, 469 BC) are not only written, but are still celebrated to this day.
Not only in China, but also in the world, the name of Confucius shines on the list of the greatest philosophers of all time, who spoke such great words and principles in those early days, which still ignite the world of thought. It is thought that 2500 years ago, when literacy or the development of books did not go well, he said, 'It is useless to study without thinking, but it is dangerous to think without studying.' He said, 'When you see a good man, try to be like him. And when you see a bad person, look at your own weaknesses.'
Very few philosophers, like Confucius, have been able to identify humanity and instinct so clearly. ‘If you think something is right, but you can't act on it, you lack courage,’ he said. ‘What you don't want to do, don't let others do, he added.
Therefore, it is easy to assume that the depth of Confucius' knowledge, the breadth of his wisdom, and the multidimensionality of his foresight will remain acceptable and relevant to the people of the world even after thousands of years. A glance at the principles and ideals of Confucius reveals the breadth and brilliance of this ancient scholar. He said: 1. Treat everyone well, it is the best and safest. 2. Develop good habits and adhere to daily routines, then you will be successful. 3. A person should have good values and ethics. 4. Family is an important element, where there should be mutual respect and esteem in every social relationship of parents, siblings, father-son, husband-wife, teacher-student, slave-owner etc. 5. Everyone should bring innovation in everything. 6. The qualities that a person must possess are honesty, righteousness, altruism, righteousness, and loyalty.
It is possible to mention many words and instructions in the ancient Chinese teacher, politician and philosopher Confucius, which still surprise and seem acceptable to everyone today. He is one of the most influential philosophers in the world, who has established philosophy on the basis of greatness and has been leading the way in a principled way in human life for ages.
Confucius was born in 551 BC in the Chinese state of Lu '. His father ‘Kong’ was a soldier. When his father died when Confucius was only three years old, he grew up in extreme poverty with his mother. His family was a middle-class family in China called the ‘Shai’, who were not aristocratic but slightly above the peasants. As a result, he was aware of class from his childhood and gained the ability to think differently than the majority of the society. On the basis of which he thought, 'Man should be given dignity and rewarded with his talent, not with the family in which he was born.'
Not much is known about the childhood history of Confucius. However, he began his career as a shepherd. Later he worked as a book keeper and clerk. He started teaching at the age of thirty. He was the first teacher in China whose goal was to ensure educational opportunities for all. At the age of forty, he became involved in politics, attracting the attention of the then Chinese government, and became governor of Lu state city.
Confucius gradually became an adviser to the government. At that time Lu 'state was headed by a duke, under whom were three aristocratic families, who controlled the government. Confucius wanted to reform the system and establish a centralized system of government. He was also somewhat successful, but could not completely reform. Since then he has made several enemies and he left the Lu state.
Another commentary is available in this context. At that time, one of the kings of the neighboring kingdom gave 100 horses and 80 beautiful ladies as gifts to the king of Lu state. Upon receiving it, the king became intoxicated with extreme joy and luxury. Confucius left the kingdom in protest. He traveled to various cities in China to promote his political ideas and philosophy.
His propagated philosophy is known as 'Confucianism'. Some consider it a religious one while others consider it a secular philosophy. Although his philosophy acknowledges the existence of the afterlife and heaven, in some cases his doctrine conflicts with various religious beliefs and practices.
But he believed in a strong and central government system. The main basis of his philosophy was the morality of the individual and the government, the correction of social relations, justice and sincerity. He taught us to cultivate politeness, planning, respect, ethics, honesty, fairness and a sense of responsibility differently from common sense.
In addition to the political arena, he also taught that values are the only way to build a happy life. According to him, real happiness can be found only through well-planned work and cooperation of others. The main purpose of his philosophy was to benefit everyone in the state without giving benefits to certain people.
The great philosopher Confucius died of old age in 479 BC. Confucius's followers later articulated his ideals in ‘The Analytics of Confucius’. During the reign of the Han kings in China, the teachings of Confucius were considered state philosophy and direction. His ideology of 'respect for authority and strong central government' is still followed in Chinese culture and government.
