Learning Lessons-1 Confucius-(The Master)

“Study The Past If You Would Define The Future”

Confucius-(The Master), (551 B.C-481 B.C) was born in Qufu, The ancient State of Lu, where he spent most of his life. Confucianism, the way of life propagated by Confucius (6th–5th century BCE) and followed by the Chinese people for more than two millennia. Confucianism originated in China, but its influence spread to Korea & Japan over the centuries. The core value of Confucianism is called “Jen”. Jen is the virtue of perfectly fulfilling one’s responsibilities towards others.

Childhood to Death (551-481 B.C.):-

• Lost his father at 3, Grew up in Poverty but attained a Good Education.
• At 19, he got married but soon divorced his wife.
• Worked as a laborer, shepherd, cowherd and a book-keeper.
• At 23 his mother died and started a new career –Teaching.

• At 35, left his State due to conflict between the rulers of 2 different countries.
• The Duke of Qi (Ch’i) gave power But other nobilities Forced to return to his State.

• At 50, Became Chief Minister by Duke Ding.
• Failed to succeed at advancing in government but Began to Teach.
• Due to political disagreements and internal conflicts, he Resigned.
• While his seeking for a ruler, The Duke did not put him in Power.
• Then Traveled for thirteen years from state to state seeking leaders to adopt his teachings But no one gave him a position.

• At 69, Returned to Lu for the last time and taught “Six Arts”.
• Became ill and said, “For a long time the world has been living in moral chaos and no ruler has been able to follow me”.
• Seven days afterwards he died at 72.

Contributions & Influences:-

• Goal was Order, Harmony, Peace, & Happiness on earth.
• Established golden principles for the rulers on Truth, Honesty and Fulfillment of Promise.
• Never pretend to be a prophet, but dedicated to Save The mankind.
• Confucius taught that people should respect the people above and below them establishing Five Great Relationships.

Confucius’s Purpose of Education:-

• “Reviewing Old Knowledge”.
• “Moral Education” and "Moral Cultivation"
• “What you do not want do to yourself , Do not do to others” (Analects 15:23 ).

 Learning Lessons:-

• Failure isn’t the end, Follow your dreams.
• Always Keep Going & Never give up.
• You Can Learn From Everyone.
• Learn To Forgive And Forget.