I used to sit alone thinking about this and that. Sometimes I even forgot my meals or bedtime. Still I gained very little. Later I shifted to reading omnivorously, but I did not benefit a great deal either. At long last I came to see that reading in a mechanical way without using my brains was no use. On the other hand, if thinking is divorced from the reality and no due attention is paid to reading, one will continue to feel puzzled by many things. One should constantly review what he has learned and combine reading with thinking. In thus making use of the theories one has learned to guide his thought and help analyze the problems at hand, progress will be achieved.

Confucius had come up with an extensive number of theories and principles; however, he was not permitted to personally put his theories to the public test until the age of 52. At this time, the Duke of Lu appointed him the city magistrate of Chung-tu; the following year he was appointed the Minister of Crime of the state of Lu. To an

“We don’t yet know about life, how can we know about death?”-Confucius

inspiring truth, Confucius’ administration was incredibly successful. At that time, “reforms were introduced, justice was fairly dispensed, and crime was almost eliminated. So powerful did Lu become that the ruler of a neighboring state maneuvered to secure the
minister’s dismissal (Crystal).” Neighboring countries would send messengers to distract the duke. Many of these messengers would bring gifts, while others would perform as dancers. Soon enough, the duke abandoned his duties due to his extreme interest in the messengers.
In the year 496 B.C., Confucius resigned from his office and once again, was traveling with his disciples and teaching. He continued this for five years. His presence at royal courts was not merely tolerated. Nobles would either be plotting to drive him out or have him killed. To much surprise, being that he was well known for his kindness and love for others, he was once arrested and spent five days in jail. When he reached the age of 62, he and his disciples were sent into the countryside by a band of soldiers. Jealous nobles demanded the cause of this. Such mal treatment continued until a messenger of who was sent by a sympathetic noble rescued Confucius and his disciples. After the years of wandering, at the age of 69, Confucius finally returned to Lu.
Confucius was thankfully accepted to Lu and chose to remain. While this remained true, he was not offered public office again, nor did he seek it. In turn, he spent the rest of his years teaching and writing. With old age dominating, Confucius passed at the age of 72 in the year 479 B.C. Confucius was buried in the city of Ch’uFu, Shandong.

“Mankind differs from the animals only by a little, and most people throw that away.”
-Confucius

Today, it is well known that the site of his final resting place is in the beautiful K’ung Forest.
Although Confucius is no longer living, many people honored, and still honor this philosopher for all of his work and time spent throughout his life. In order to give honor to Confucius, people began building temples in every city in China. Because Confucius’ teachings and philosophies were so advanced, it became the education for China for a mere 2,000 years. Many today can look upon these teachings and conclude the well-known study of Confucianism.
Confucianism is now the major system of thought in China. It is concerned with the principles of good conduct, practical wisdom, and proper social relationships. Confucianism has influenced the Chinese attitude toward life, set the patterns of living and standards of social value, and provided the background for Chinese political theories and institutions. It is now well-known and practiced in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Although Confucianism became the official philosophy of the Chinese state, it has never existed as an established religion with a church. With this, those who believe and honor Confucius do not actually worship him as a god. The principles of Confucianism are contained in the nine ancient Chinese works. Confucius and his followers handed down these writings, of which can be divided into two groups: the Five Classics and the Four Books.

The essential of Confucian ethics is jen, which has various translations such as love, goodness, humanity, and human-heartedness. In human relations, jen is apparent in “The master said, the good man does not grieve that other people do not recognize his merits. His only anxiety is lest he should fail to recognize theirs.”-Confucius

Chung, or faithfulness to oneself and others, and Shu, or unselfishness, best expressed in the Confucian Golden Rule. Other important Confucian virtues include righteousness, politeness and integrity. One who possesses all these virtues becomes a chün-tzu, also known as a perfect gentleman. In turn, one should cultivate moral perfection in order to set a good example to people. For the feudal period in which he lived, Confucius maintained a remarkable philosophical concept, that "in education, there is no class distinction (Confucius).”

Confucius is a man to be honored. He was a man of strength, courage and integrity. Much respect is held within many for this man, considering his teachings were thought of, practiced, and taught by he and only he. It is respectable that one came to these conclusions without a basis on religion. It was personal believe and love that was only to be shared with and among others. It is impeccable that for thousands of years, his teachings are still practiced, looked upon and most importantly, respected. For such an honorable person to have a history of beliefs of which is nothing less than morally and socially just, it may be true to say that it goes without saying, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it (Confucius).”