Confucius (traditionally 551 BC - 479 BC) is the famous great sage of China. His influence on Chinese civilization cannot be underestimated and has spread widely over Japan, Korea and Vietnam, especially through Confucianism, the doctrine developed by disciples and commentators.

He was born in the Chinese State of Lu in 551 BC (Hundred Schools of Thought, Spring and Autumn Period) and was the son of a noble family who had recently fled from the State of Song. His parents, however, died when he was three and he grew up in very poor conditions as an orphan. He spent his time attempting to learn everything there was to know, and then passing on those knowledge he possessed onto others.