Confucius (551-479 BCE) Chinese philosopher and statesman. The name “Confucius” is Latinized from K’ung-Fu-Tzu, meaning Great Master K’ung.
Born in the state of Lu (modern Shantung), Confucius became a teacher in 531 BCE, and in 501 BCE Governor of Chung-tu. He was then Minister of Works, and later Minister of Justice. His quest for societal reform was popular among the common folk but political enemies forced him to leave Lu. He traveled a great deal.
Many of the sayings of Confucius could fit quite happily alongside the New Testament of Jesus.
Confucius says†
Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you.
while Jesus says
Do to others as you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31, prefigured in Leviticus 19:18).
Confucius says
In vain I have looked for a single person capable of seeing his own faults and bringing the charge home against himself.
while Jesus says
You hypocrites, remove the plank from your own eye first, then you will see clearly to take the speck from your brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5).
Confucius says
A man with clever words and an ingratiating appearance is seldom a man of humanity.
while Jesus says
Beware of false prophets who appear in sheep’s clothing but underneath are ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15).
This latter comparison is valid because for Confucius, humanity is at heart good. If taught and guided by rules (li) which are in accord with the mandate of heaven, a young child naturally grows into a decent human being.
Confucius said that at age 50 he had learned to control his speech, at 70 his actions became naturally aligned with the “Mandate of Heaven” and at 80 he had gained mastery over his thoughts.
But some of Confucius’ ideas are rooted in old-word cultural biases which would not hold up today. For instance
Women and servants are most difficult to deal with. If you are familiar with them, they cease to be humble. If you keep a distance from them, they resent it.
This is interesting historical material but hardly a universal, timeless teaching. » Confucianism, Face Reading
†Confucius quotes from Wing-tsit Chan, A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy (Princeton University Press, 1963).
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