The Life and Times of Confucius

"To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right."—Confucius. Considered one of the world's greatest philosophers, Confucius developed a moral code that would influence Chinese culture and would serve as the foundation for official and political policy during the Han Dynasty. The teachings of Confucius emphasized self-enlightenment and personal responsibility and attracted students and disciples from all walks of life. The collection of the teachings called the Analects have become known the world over. Ironically, during his lifetime, Confucius was often viewed with suspicion by political rivals who feared his influence, and his contribution to society was only fully appreciated and recognized years after his death.