Confucius

/kənˈfjuːʃəs/ noun

Definition

A famous Chinese philosopher (551-479 BCE) whose teachings about ethics, respect, and proper conduct influenced Asian civilization for over 2,000 years.

Etymology

The Latinized name of Kong Qiu (孔丘), where 'Kong' is the family name. Western scholars Latinized his name during the 17th century to make it familiar to European readers, similar to how 'Confucianism' became the standard term for his philosophical system.

Kelly Says

Confucius never wrote a single book—everything we know about him comes from his students' notes collected in the 'Analects,' making him history's most influential figure known entirely through other people's summaries of his conversations.

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