Yet another day to find something to celebrate. Confucius Day is in honor of one of the most well known philosophers. Although Confucius Day is always celebrated on September 29th, Confucius was born October 18, 551 BC. How much have you heard about Confucius? How much do you know about him? Can you separate the fact from fiction?
Fact or Fiction?
Many children have grown up with a tentative warning from their parents that began with, “Confucius Says…”. As a general rule, if what follows is a funny or humorous saying, there’s a pretty good chance that Confucius didn’t actually say it. None the less, it still makes for a pretty good warning to children around the world.
There is much mystery surrounding Confucius’ life and it’s not always easy for one to separate the truth from made up stories. Much of what one hears and believes about Confucius are thus considered legendary.
His Life
It’s been suggested that his great grandfather fled the turmoil of his native land of Song. He moved to Lu near the present town of Qufu. The family was very poor. Having survived such a poverty stricken life he was forced to take on such jobs as accounting and tending to life stock.
Serious doubt has been cast on the theory that Confucius was born of Royal heritage. Given a tabooed name by grateful parents that had prayed him into existence, his name literally meant “an utterance of thankfulness-prayers have been answered”.
Education
Although he was very well educated, no one knows for sure where he was educated. According to legend, he studied with the Daoist Master Lao Dan and music with Chang Hong. Notably the lute with music master Xiang.
Beliefs
Confucius believed that people were responsible for their own actions, their treatment of others and that we can do little or nothing to alter our fated existence. We determine what we will accomplish and what we will be remembered for.
A few of Confucius’ famous quotes:
I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.
Confucius
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Confucius
Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Confucius
For more of Confucius’ sayings you can go here or here.
Will you celebrate Confucius Day? You can learn more about Confucius here.