Confucius Confucius was believed to have been born in 551 BC., in the state of Lu, known today as the Shandong province. His parents named him Kong Qui. They died when he was very young. The name Confucius comes from the Latin word Kongfuzi which means Great Master Kong. Confucius was the most influential and respected philosopher in Chinese history. His ideas were the strongest influence on Chinese society from around 100 BC. to the AD. 1900's. …showed first 75 words of 374 total…

…showed last 75 words of 374 total…take to discover what will pay". Confucius believed that this type of behavior by rulers had a greater effect on the people than did laws or codes of punishment. So when these types of people were rulers, their moral example would inspire the people to lead good lives. Confucius died sometime around 479 B.C., and his philosophy was not very well known. If it weren't for his disciples his ideas would probably still be unknown.