What are some facts about Confucius?

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher born in 551 BC who developed the philosophy that later acted as a basis for Chinese government, and he introduced ideas that people live by today. Confucius spent time in exile, conveying his political beliefs to various courts of states in central and northeast China.

Some facts about Confucius include:

• He was born in 551 BC in Zou, Lu State
• While some accounts state that he was born into poverty, others claim he was a member of the Chou Dynasty
• He developed the rule, "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others"
• Confucius stated that leaders could only be successful by setting an example and living under strict discipline
• His educational philosophy included the six arts, which were calligraphy, archery, computation, music, ritual and chariot driving
• As a writer, Confucius produced a Book of Odes and the Spring and Autumn Annals, which was an account of the 12 dukes of Lu
• He developed Confucianism, which was concerned with spiritual practices during daily life, social and political institutions and acting with a certain degree of etiquette
• He believed that it was not necessary to bribe people to be moral, and that natural goodness existed in everyone
• When neighboring forces decided that Lu was becoming too strong under Confucius' influence, he decided to leave and spent a period in exile.
• He died on November 21, 479 BC in Qufu.