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K'ung Fo-tzu (551-479 BCE), known in the west by his Latin name,
Confucius, is China's most famous philosopher. His wisdom has provided moral
guidance to Chinese for over 2500 years, becoming an integral part of the
Chinese cultural identity.
He was born in the small town of Tsu in what is now the Chinese
Province of Shantung. His father was a magistrate and soldier. At the age of
three, Confucius's father died, leaving him to grow up in poverty. At the age
of 22, he started the first private school in China, teaching his philosophy of
ideal personal conduct, benevolence, and justice by law. In his fifties, he
became the Grand Official of Justice for the State of Lu. After leaving that
position, he spent the last 13 years of his life traveling around China
teaching his philosophies.
In mainland China (People's Republic of China) Confucius is
honored on the anniversary of his death - October 1st. In Taiwan, he his
honored on the anniversary of his birth - September 28th. His birthday is a
legal holiday in Taiwan. It is referred to as Teacher's Day since Confucius is
considered the greatest teacher in Chinese history.
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