Confucius

Confucius was my father. He lived from 551-479. I wish he could have been around longer to spread his great philosophy. At an early age he decided he would dedicate himself to education and public service. He felt that educated people had a responsibility to serve in government so they could turn their good ideas into action. He spread education to both the rich and the poor, money did not matter to him. He inspired thousands of people with his guidelines about the right way to live. He did not serve well as a public servant, though. His high standards of conduct often brought him into conflict with corrupt officials. My father said, "The superior man understands righteousness. The inferior man understands profit." He also taught that harmony resulted when people accepted their place in sociey. He stessed 5 key relationships: ruler to subject, parent to child, husband to wife, elder brother to younger brother, and friend to friend. He believed that, except for friendship, none of these relationships were equal. He also believed that it was a ruler's responsibility to provide good government. In return, the people would be respectful and loyal subjects. He said, "The best ruler is a virtuous one who leads poeple by good example." He also believed that governments leaders and officials should be well educated.

My father was a great man and will be missed by thousands.