The life story of Confucius

A great thinker and educator in the late Spring and Autumn Period, and the founder of Confucianism. His name is Qiu and his courtesy name is Zhongni. A native of Lu. Confucius was an aristocrat of the Song Dynasty and moved to the Lu Kingdom to avoid civil strife. His father is Liang He, his mother is Yan. Duke Xiang of Lu was born in Zouyi (now Qufu, Shandong) in the state of Lu in the 22nd year of his reign (551 BC). The State of Lu was the fiefdom of Bo Qin, son of Duke Zhou, and was known as a land of rituals and music. By the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, rituals and music were still intact. The deep-rooted tradition of rituals and music in the State of Lu had a profound impact on Confucius. When Confucius was young, he often made plays with Chen Chudou and setting up rituals. His father died in his early years and his family fell into poverty. When he was young, he worked as a minor official in charge of granaries and herding. When he was more than 30 years old, he began to give lectures to apprentices.

In the twenty-sixth year of Lu Zhaogong (516 BC), there was civil strife in Lu. Confucius was dissatisfied with the Sanhuan led by Ji's monopoly on power, so he left Lu for a time and went to Qi, but soon returned. He began to organize poems, books, rituals, and music. The more students he recruited, the greater his influence. In the ninth year of Duke Dinggong of Lu (501 BC), he served as the Prime Minister of Zhongdu and achieved considerable political achievements. Later he was promoted to Sikong and Da Sikou. In the 10th year of Duke Dinggong of Lu, at the Qilu Jiagu meeting, Confucius paid tribute to each other, and Lu State's military salute was used together to recover the fields of Yun, Guan and Guiyin that had been occupied by Qi State. In the thirteenth year of Dinggong's reign, Confucius proposed to destroy the capitals of Jisun, Shusun, and Mengsun in order to protect his official position. After Jisun, Shusun, and Fei were destroyed, Mengsun resisted with force. Confucius The plan failed. Later, the political situation of Lu State changed, and Confucius saw that it was difficult to realize his ideal, so he led his disciples to leave Lu State and began a wandering career traveling around the country. Confucius was 55 years old. In the past 14 years, Confucius visited Wei, Chen, Song, Cai, Chu and other countries to promote his political ideas to the princes, but to no avail. In the eleventh year of Duke Ai of Lu (484 BC), Ji Kangzi welcomed Confucius with coins, and Confucius returned to Lu at the age of 68. Although Duke Ai of Lu and Ji Kangzi often asked Confucius about political affairs, they never had any use.

Confucius devoted himself to education in his later years, sorting out ancient classics such as "Poems" and "Books", and deleted and revised "Spring and Autumn". His students recorded his thoughts, words and deeds in The Analects of Confucius. Philosophical Thoughts The Spring and Autumn Period in which Confucius lived was a period of transition from slave society to feudal society. Confucius' thoughts were full of contradictions between the old and the new, reflecting the spiritual outlook of the era of great change. Confucius inherited the traditional view of destiny, ghosts and gods, and regarded heaven as the master of all things and the personal god. He believed that destiny dominates human life and death, and also determines the order of society. He advocated that "a gentleman has three fears: fear of destiny, fear of adults, and fear of the words of saints." "If you don't know destiny, you can't be a gentleman." But at the same time, he denied the divination activities that were popular in the Zhou Dynasty, and proposed that "what can the sky say? The four seasons move and the five grains grow." He believed that the destiny of heaven is contained in the operation of natural things. Therefore, he advocated "respecting ghosts and gods and staying away from them, which can be said to be knowledge." "The Analects of Confucius" records that Confucius "did not talk about strange forces, chaos, and gods" and said, "If you don't know life, how can you know death" and "If you fail to serve people, how can you serve ghosts?" This avoids the question of whether people become ghosts after death.

The Doctrine of the Mean is the highest standard for Confucius to conduct one's conduct. He said: "The Doctrine of the Mean is a virtue, and it is as good as the people." He advocated that when dealing with affairs, one should neither go too far nor go too far. It cannot be less than, and it is considered that "too much is not enough". Confucius advocated adhering to the "middle way". As recorded in "The Analects of Confucius", Confucius proposed that "quality is better than literature, which leads to wildness, and literature is better than quality, which leads to history", "literacy and gentleness, then a gentleman"; he advocated "the combination of virtue and punishment" and "the combination of leniency and violence" ; Contain students who are too aggressive and encourage those who are too modest. Confucius opposed excessive words and deeds, but at the same time he also opposed unprincipled "hometown wishes" behaviors that "are similar to the popular customs, conform to the dirty world, live as if they are loyal, behave as if they are honest, everyone is happy with them, and they are self-righteous". He calls "hometown wishes, virtue" He is also a thief."

Confucius paid attention to social ethical issues and regarded etiquette as an important means to maintain the hierarchical system and a symbol of distinguishing Chinese and Yi. He condemned the destruction of Zhou rites, and was extremely indignant at the Ji family of Lu for stealing the emperor's rites and "eight people dancing in the court", saying, "This is tolerable, but what can't be tolerated?" Confucius advocated "rectification of names" and tried to use the form of Zhou rites to correct the changed social reality, asking people to "deny themselves and restore rites." However, without violating the basic principles of Zhou Rites, Confucius agreed to make some gains or losses in the specific content of Zhou Rites in light of the changes of the times.

The concept of benevolence has been widely used in the Spring and Autumn Period. Confucius gave it a new meaning, making it one of the most important categories in the history of Chinese philosophy.

Confucius’s teachings were broad and profound. Although they contained some traditional conservative ideological elements, their mainstream was conducive to social progress at the time. Therefore, it was further developed during the Warring States Period and became one of the prominent schools of Pre-Qin Dynasty. However, due to historical reasons, it did not receive special attention from the rulers before the Han Dynasty.

After the Han Dynasty, centralized feudal rule was established. Confucius’ thoughts suited the needs of the ruling class, so they were valued. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty adopted Dong Zhongshu's strategy of "deposing hundreds of schools of thought and respecting Confucianism alone", which formally established the dominance of Confucius and his teachings in the Chinese intellectual world. Later, rulers of successive dynasties took further measures to deify Confucius and promote Confucianism, thus consolidating Confucius's supreme status.

Confucius’ thoughts had a huge impact on the philosophy, literature, art, education, history, etc. of Chinese feudal society. As an outstanding representative of Chinese traditional culture, this influence spread to East Asia and even the world. However, in the long feudal society, the ruling class, out of its own needs, one-sidedly developed the conservative aspects of Confucius' thoughts and constrained people's thoughts. Since the May 4th Movement, the conservatism of Confucius’ thoughts has been criticized by progressive thinkers. After the May 4th Movement, some Chinese scholars, including Marxist philosophy and historians, conducted systematic research and evaluation on Confucius and his thoughts, and made great achievements.

Confucius’ thoughts and theories are mainly collected in the Analects of Confucius written by Confucius’ disciples. There are also records of Confucius’ words and deeds in Zuozhuan and Shiji: The Family of Confucius.

Chronology of Confucius

1 year old: 551 BC (the 22nd year of Lu Xianggong)

Confucius was born in Changping Township, Zouyi, Lu State (now Shandong) Southeast of Qufu City). Because his parents once prayed to Niqiu Mountain for the birth of a son, he was named Qiu and given the courtesy name Zhongni.

There are two records about Confucius' birth date, which are one year apart. This is from "Historical Records: Confucius' Family".

3 years old: 549 BC (the 24th year of Lu Xianggong)

His father, uncle Liang He, died and was buried in Fangshan (25 miles east of present-day Qufu). Yan Zheng, the mother of Confucius, moved to Queli in Qufu with her son and lived a difficult life.

5 years old: 547 BC (the 26th year of Duke Xianggong of Lu)

Qin Shang, a disciple of Confucius, was born in the state of Lu.

6 years old: 546 BC (the 27th year of Lu Xianggong)

Disciple Zeng Diansheng, Braille Xi, father of Zeng Shen.

7 years old: 545 BC (the 28th year of Lu Xianggong)

Disciple Yan Yaosheng, also known as Wu Yao, named Ji Lu, the father of Yan Yuan.

8 years old: 544 BC (the 29th year of Lu Xianggong)

Disciple Ran Gengsheng, courtesy name Boniu, a native of Lu.

10 years old: 542 BC (the thirty-first year of Lu Xianggong)

Disciple Zhong Yousheng, named Zilu, a native of Bian.

This is the year of Lu When Duke Xiang died, his son Xi succeeded him as Duke Zhao.

12 years old: 540 BC (the second year of Duke Zhao of Lu)

His disciple Qi Diao Kaisheng, named Ziruo, Cai.

15 years old: 537 BC (the fifth year of Lu Zhaogong)

As he grew older, Confucius realized that he had to work hard to learn the skills of life and life, so he said: "I am ten years old and am determined to learn" ("The Analects of Confucius: For Politics")

16 years old, 536 BC (the sixth year of Lu Zhaogong)

Zheng Zhuxing Ding

Disciple Min Shusheng, courtesy name Ziqian, 17 years old: 535 BC (the sixth year of Lu Zhaogong)

Confucius' mother Yan Zheng died. In that year, the Ji family invited a nobleman, Confucius went to the banquet, but was turned away by Yang Hu, a retainer of the Ji family.

19 years old: BC. In 533 (the ninth year of Duke Zhao of Lu)

Confucius married the daughter of Qi Guan, a native of Song Dynasty.

At the age of 20: 532 BC (the tenth year of Duke Zhao of Lu)

Qi Guan gave birth to a son.

It is said that at this time, Duke Zhao of Lu gave Confucius a carp, so he named his son Li, with the courtesy name Boyu. In this year, Confucius began to serve as an official and manage the warehouse.

21 years old: 531 BC (the eleventh year of Lu Zhaogong)

In this year, Confucius changed his occupation to farming and managing livestock. Confucius said: "I am a young man who is humble, so I can do many despicable things."

("The Analects of Confucius·Zihan") This "despicable thing" should include "commissioning officials" and "taking advantage of the fields".

27 years old, 525 BC (the seventeenth year of Lu Zhaogong)

Tanzi came to Lu, and Confucius asked Tanzi about the ancient official system of Tan. Confucius opened a private school, so he should Before and after.

30 years old: 522 BC (the 20th year of Lu Zhaogong)

It has been more than 15 years since he was determined to learn at the age of 15. Through hard work, Confucius has made great achievements in society. It is said that "it is established at thirty" ("The Analects of Confucius: For the Government")

In that year, Qi Jinggong and Yan Ying came to visit Lu State, and Qi Jinggong met Confucius and discussed with Confucius why Qin Mu Gong. The problem of domination.

The disciples Yan Hui, Ran Yong, Ran Qiu, Shang Qu, and Liang Yisheng were all from Lu. Zi Shuyu, a native of Qi.

31 years old: 521 BC (the 21st year of Duke Zhao of Lu).

Disciples Wuma Shi, Gao Chai and Mi Bu were born together. Ziqi was born in the state of Chen; Chai, named Zigao, was born in the state of Qi; Buqi, named Zijian, was born in the state of Lu.

32 years old: 520 BC (the 22nd year of Lu Zhaogong)

Disciple Duanmu gave birth to Zigong, a native of Wei State

34 years old: 518 BC (the 24th year of Lu Zhaogong)

Meng Yizi and Nangong Jingshu. Learned etiquette from Confucius.

According to legend, Confucius and Nangong Jingshu Shi Zhou asked Lao Pin and asked Yue Chang Hong. 35 years old: 517 BC (the 20th year of Lu Zhaogong). Five years ago)

The "Historical Records: Confucius Family" says: "Zhao Gong led an army to attack (Ji) Pingzi, and Pingzi and the three families of Mengsun and Shusun attacked Zhaogong. The army was defeated and he rushed to Qi." Confucius also came to Qi in this year.

36 years old, 516 BC (the 26th year of Lu Zhaogong)

Qi Jinggong asked about the government. Confucius, Confucius said to him: "Junjun, ministers, father, son, son." Confucius was appreciated by Duke Jin of Qi. Jinggong wanted to seal Confucius with the land of Nixi, but Confucius stopped him. When I heard the music of "Shao" in Qi, I was so drunk that I didn't know the taste of meat in March.

37 years old: 515 BC (the 27th year of Lu Zhaogong)

Doctor Qi. In order to harm Confucius, Confucius returned to Qi from Qi. His son died and was buried between Ying and Bo.

Confucius went to see his younger brother. Yu Fanxu and Yuan Xian were born. Xu was born in the state of Lu, and his family name was Zisi.

38 years old: 514 BC (the 28th year of Duke Zhao of Lu)

When Xianzi (named Shu) was in power during the Jin and Wei dynasties, he promoted talents regardless of their relative proximity. Confucius believed that this was a righteous act. He said: "It is righteous not to lose relatives when you are close, and when you are far away."

39 Years old, 513 BC (the 29th year of Lu Zhaogong)

In the winter of that year, the Jin Dynasty cast the punishment cauldron. Confucius said, "The Jin Dynasty will perish and lose its power."

40 years old: 512 BC (the 30th year of Lu Zhaogong)

After decades of training, I have a clearer understanding of various problems in life, so I say "you will not be confused at forty" .

Disciple Tantai destroyed Mingsheng. Mieming's courtesy name is Ziyu, a native of Lu.

41 years old: 511 BC (31st year of Duke Zhao of Lu)

Disciple Chen Kangsheng. Kang, whose courtesy name is Ziqin, was born in the state of Chen.

42 years old: 510 BC (the 32nd year of Lu Zhaogong)

Ding Gong died.

43 years old: 509 BC (the first year of Lu Ding)

Brother Xi Chi was born. Deficit Hua, a native of Lu.

45 years old: 507 BC (the third year of Lu Dinggong)

Disciple Bu Shangsheng.

Shang Zixia, a native of Weiguo.

46 years old: 506 BC (the fourth year of Lu Dinggong)

Disciple Yan Yansheng. Ziyou, named Yan, was born in the state of Wu.

47 years old: 505 BC (the fifth year of Lu Dinggong)

Disciples Zeng Shen and Yan Xingsheng. Shenzi Ziyu, a native of Lu. Xing Ziliu, a native of Lu.

48 years old: 504 BC (the sixth year of Lu Dinggong)

The Ji family retainer Yang Hu became more and more powerful. Confucius called it "accompanying ministers to carry out the country's orders." (" "The Analects of Confucius·Ji Family") "Historical Records·Confucius' Family" says: "Accompanying ministers are in charge of state affairs. ... Therefore, Confucius did not serve as an official, but retired to study "Poems", "Books", "Rites" and "Music", and his disciples "Everyone who comes from afar has nothing to do with his karma."

Yang Hu wanted to see Confucius, but Confucius didn't want to see Yang Hu. The two later met on the road. Yang Hu persuaded Confucius to become an official, but Confucius did not express his position clearly. It happened in the fifth year or sixth year of Lu Dinggong.

49 years old: 503 BC (the seventh year of Lu Dinggong)

His disciple Zhuan Sun was named Zi. Zhang, a native of Chen.

50 years old: 502 BC (the eighth year of Lu Dinggong)

He claimed that he "knows the destiny at fifty" ("The Analects of Confucius: Wei Zheng"). )

Gongshan Buhuan rebelled against the Ji family and summoned Confucius. Confucius wanted to go, but was blocked by Zi Lu.

51 years old: 501 BC (Lu Dinggong Jiu). Years)

Confucius was the governor of Zhongdu. He governed Zhongdu for one year and made great achievements.

His disciples Ran Lu, Cao Qian, Bo Qian, Yan Gao, and Shu. Zhong Huisheng. The name of Lu is Zilu, and the name of Cai is Zixi. The name of Gao is Zijiao. The name of Lu is Ziqi.

52 years old: 500 BC (the tenth year of Lu Dinggong)

Confucius was promoted from Zhongdu to Xiao Sikong, and later to Da Sikou, and served as prime minister. In the summer, he followed Dinggong and met the Marquis of Qi in Jiagu. Confucius was vigilant and prepared in advance when Qi State invited Lu Jun to meet in Jiagu, so he not only prevented Qi State's plot to kidnap Dinggong, but also forced Qi State to agree to return the land of Yun, Bo, Guiyin and other lands that had been occupied by Lu State. .

53 years old: 499 BC (the eleventh year of Duke Dinggong of Lu)

Confucius became the leader of the Lu State.

54 years old: AD. In 498 BC (the twelfth year of Lu Dinggong), Confucius was a Lu Sikou. In order to weaken the three Huan, he took measures to defeat the three capitals. In order to weaken the power of his retainers, the Shusun family and the Jisun family supported Confucius. However, this action was resisted by Meng Sun's retainer Gong Lian Chufu, who secretly supported Gong Lian Chufu's move to fall to Sandu.

Disciple Gongsun Longsheng gave up. Zishi, named Long, was from Chu State.

55 years old: In the spring of 497 BC (the 13th year of Lu Dinggong), Qi State sent 80 beauties to Lu State. Ji Huanzi accepted the female music, and the king and his ministers were obsessed with singing and dancing, and they ignored the government for many days. Confucius and the Ji family were at odds with each other.

In October, Confucius was slandered and left Wei. He went to the state of Chen. He passed through Kuangdi and was besieged. Later, he encountered the rebellion of Gongshu and was besieged again.

At the age of 56, 496 BC. Year (the fourteenth year of Lu Dinggong)

Confucius was summoned by Nanzi, the wife of Wei Linggong, in the state of Wei.

Zi Lu had strong objections to Confucius’ meeting with Nanzi and criticized Confucius.

When Confucius heard the news that Zheng Guozi had given birth, he was very sad and praised Zichan as "the beloved of ancient times."

57 years old: 495 BC (the fifteenth year of Lu Dinggong)

Confucius went to defend Julu. In the fifth month of summer, Duke Ding of Lu died, and Duke Ai of Lu died.

58 years old: 494 BC (the first year of Lu Ai)

When Confucius lived in Lu, envoys from the state of Wu hired Lu and asked Confucius about the "special car with joints".

Confucius lived in Lu. p>

59 years old: 493 BC (the second year of Duke Ai of Lu)

Confucius went from Lu to Wei. Duke Lin of Wei asked Confucius about Chen (formation), but Confucius politely rejected Duke Lin of Wei. Confucius couldn't live in Wei State anymore, so he went west to Wei State and passed through Cao State to Song State.

Sima Huan of the Song Dynasty (left ghost and right bird)

Hate Confucius and threatened to harm Confucius, but Confucius went incognito.

60 years old: 492 BC (the third year of Lu Aigong)

Confucius said that he was "sixty years old and his ears were smooth".

Confucius passed through Zheng and went to the state of Chen. He was separated from his disciples in the capital of the state of Zheng and waited alone at the east gate for his disciples to find him. Confucius smiled happily and said: "Yes, yes!"

61 years old: 491 BC (the fourth year of Lu Aigong)

Confucius left Chen for Cai.

62 years old: 490 BC (the fifth year of Duke Ai of Lu)

Confucius came from Cai to Ye. Duke Ye asked Confucius about politics and discussed moral issues related to integrity with Confucius.

On the way to Yehui Cai, Confucius met the hermit

63 years old: 489 BC (the sixth year of Lu Aigong)

Confucius and his disciples were in Chen Cai. During the period, he was trapped and without food, and many of his disciples fell ill due to hunger. They were later rescued by the Chu people.

He returned to the defense from Chu and met a hermit on the way.

Age 64. 488 BC (the seventh year of Duke Ai of Lu)

Confucius advocated that in order to govern the country of Wei, one must first correct his name.

Age 65: 487 BC (the eighth year of Duke Ai of Lu).

Confucius was in Wei. In that year, Wu defeated Lu. Confucius's disciple Youruo participated in the battle and made meritorious service.

66 years old: 486 BC (the ninth year of Duke Ai of Lu).

Confucius was in Wei

67 years old: 485 BC (the tenth year of Duke Ai of Lu)

Confucius was in Wei

Confucius’ wife Qi Guan.

68 years old: 484 BC (the eleventh year of Duke Ai of Lu)

In that year, the Qi army attacked Lu. Confucius' disciple Ran Youshuai fought with the Qi army and won. . Ji Kangzi asked Ran where his commanding ability came from. Ran You replied, "I learned it from Confucius." Ji Kangzi sent people to welcome Confucius to Guilu. This is the end.

Confucius objected to Ji Kangzi's intention to practice "Field Fu". Confucius said to Ran You: "A gentleman's behavior is based on propriety. Give what is generous, do what is appropriate, and be modest." . If this is the case, Qiu is enough."

69 years old: 483 BC (the twelfth year of Duke Ai of Lu)

Confucius still wanted to be in politics, but he was not used. Confucius continued to engage in politics. Education and documentation work

Confucius’ son Kong Li died at the age of 70: 482 BC (the 13th year of Duke Ai of Lu)

Confucius died. It is said that "when you are seventy, you should follow your heart's desires and do not exceed the rules." Yan Hui died, and Confucius was very sad.

71 years old: 481 BC (the fourteenth year of Lu Aigong)

It was the spring of that year. , Hunting for Lin. Confucius thought this was not a good sign and said, "My way is poor." So he stopped compiling "Spring and Autumn".

In June of Qi, Chen Heng killed Duke Jian of Qi, and Confucius saw Lu. Ai Gong and San Huan requested the Lu State to send troops to attack Chen Huan, but received no support.

72 years old: 480 BC (the fifteenth year of Lu Ai Gong)

Confucius heard about the Weiguo coup. , had a premonition that Zi Lu was in danger. Confucius was very sad.

73 years old: 479 BC (the 16th year of Lu Aigong)

In April, Confucius fell ill. , died without recovery. He was buried in the north of Lu City. Lu Ai Gong said: "If God does not mourn, I will not leave an old man behind, but I will leave him alone to take over. I will feel sorry for him!" Nifu! "No self-discipline."

Many disciples guarded his tomb for three years, and Zigong guarded his tomb for six years. Hundreds of disciples and Lu people came home from the tomb,

Named Kongli. Confucius’ former residence was converted into a temple, and Confucius was worshiped by people.

Article source: Internet