> Confucius was a teacher, philosopher, and politician from which modern-daycountry?And the answer is: China. Photo courtesy: South China Morning Post.In the 6th and 5th century BCE,Confucius lived in what is now China. Over time, his ideas became central toChinese culture and were adopted by various ruling dynasties. His ideas focusedon love for humanity, worship of ancestors, respect for elders, andself-discipline.In the warring states of 6th century China, Confucius was born. Growing up inpoverty, the young philosopher worked odd jobs to support his family, all thewhile gathering an intimate sympathy for the suffering of the less fortunate.Only with the help of a wealthy friend was Confucius able to study at the RoyalArchives, the site at which the philosopher's world view truly began to takeshape. Inspired by the Archives' ancient texts, Confucius came to believe in theimportance of family as it informs human character, as well as the importance ofeducation in ritual, literature and history. Confucius believed that the correctway to lead others was moral inspiration, rather than (the popular alternativeof) brute force. To put his philosophy in practice, Confucius became a ruler of his home state ofLu. However, after feeling disrespected by the ruler's ignorance to his duties,Confucius began his long journey across China in search of a ruler worthy toserve. In accordance with his firm principles, Confucius managed to spread hisgospel throughout nearby cities by dissuading rulers from relying on harshpunishments and military power to govern their lands. Many of the morals that Confucius taught are easily recognizable today. Thanksto a book we know in English as The Analects, much of his prominent workspersist today. Most notably, his version of the Golden Rule: "Do not inflictupon others that which you yourself would not want." Learn more about the legend of this philosopher below.