The Teacher of China
More than 2,500 years ago, during the Spring and Autumn Period, a man named Confucius was born in Qufu, in the state of Lu. He grew up in a time when China was divided into many small states that often fought wars. Confucius dreamed of a peaceful and fair society.
Confucius was not a king or a soldier. He was a teacher and a thinker. He believed that respect, kindness, and good behavior were the keys to harmony. He taught that children should honor their parents, rulers should care for their people, and friends should be loyal to one another.
He also said that learning was very important. “Study the past,” he told his students, “to understand the present.” His words were written down in a book called the Analects. These teachings became the foundation of Confucianism.
At first, Confucius had trouble finding leaders who would follow his advice. He traveled from state to state, offering his ideas, but many rulers ignored him. Still, he continued teaching his students. Over time, his ideas spread widely.
Hundreds of years later, Chinese emperors used Confucianism to guide the government. Officials studied his teachings and had to pass exams based on them. His influence shaped Chinese education, politics, and family life for centuries.
Today, people around the world still read Confucius’s sayings. His wisdom about respect, honesty, and learning continues to inspire us. Although he lived long ago, Confucius’s dream of harmony still speaks to the modern world.
Vocabulary List
- harmony Peace and agreement between people.
- respect A positive feeling of admiration or honor for someone.
- loyal Showing strong support or faithfulness.
- Analects A collection of Confucius’s sayings written by his students.
- Confucianism A system of thought based on the teachings of Confucius.
- thinker A person who thinks deeply about ideas.
- influence The power to change or affect others.
- exam A formal test of knowledge or ability.
- wisdom The ability to use knowledge and experience to make good decisions.
- modern Relating to the present time, not the past.
Comprehension Questions
- Who was Confucius, and when did he live?
- What were the main values that Confucius taught?
- What is the name of the book that contains his sayings?
- How did later emperors use Confucianism in government?
- Why is Confucius still remembered today?