Confucius

Scholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived at a turbulent time in his country's history, the so-called 'Spring and Autumn Period' of the sixth century BC, during which China was wracked by warfare between rival feudal states. Against this backdrop he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped could be used to create harmony and peace throughout the land.

The teachings of Confucius attracted a large number of pupils, but were largely ignored by the rulers of China's various kingdoms. As a result, he did not see his philosophical teachings applied during his lifetime. After his death, however, his teachings were kept alive by his followers, and within a few centuries, his philosophy (as outlined in The Analects, which record the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples) was adopted by China's rulers and became the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure.

Beyond its profound influence on the culture and history of East Asia, Confucianism has also exerted a powerful fascination for western thinkers and philosophers.

Meher McArthur's accessible and thoughtful biography not only traces the outline of her subject's life, but also examines why Confucius and his teachings are still relevant today.

“A fine and accessible account of a man whose philosophy has informed Chinese moral and social thought for over two thousand years' Frances Wood.”

' Frances Wood

Meher McArthur is Curator of East Asian Art at the Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, California, USA. She is the author of Reading Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols, and The Arts of Asia: Materials, Techniques, Styles.

Scholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived in the so-called 'Spring and Autumn Period' of the sixth century BC, when China was racked by warfare between rival feudal stages. In response he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped would create harmony and peace throughout the land. His teachings attracted a large number of pupils, yet were largely ignored by the rulers of China's various kingdoms. However in the years after his death, his philosophy grew ever more influential, eventually becoming the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure, as well as being embraced by the rulers of neighbouring Vietnam, Korea and Japan. An understanding of Confucius' philosophy is an essential part of comprehending China and its history. Meher McArthur's accessible and thoughtful biography not only traces the outline of her subject's life, but also examines why Confucius and his teachings are still relevant today.

Scholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived at a turbulent time in his country's history, the so-called 'Spring and Autumn Period' of the sixth century BC, during which China was wracked by warfare between rival feudal states. Against this backdrop he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped could be used to create harmony and peace throughout the land. The teachings of Confucius attracted a large number of pupils, but were largely ignored by the rulers of China's various kingdoms. As a result, he did not see his philosophical teachings applied during his lifetime. After his death, however, his teachings were kept alive by his followers, and within a few centuries, his philosophy (as outlined in The Analects, which record the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples) was adopted by China's rulers and became the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure. Beyond its profound influence on the culture and history of East Asia, Confucianism has also exerted a powerful fascination for western thinkers and philosophers. Meher McArthur's accessible and thoughtful biography not only traces the outline of her subject's life, but also examines why Confucius and his teachings are still relevant today.

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