No individual has so strongly influenced Chinese culture as Confucius. The ancient Chinese philosopher was born in 551 B.C. As an adult, he tried to become an adviser to China’s rulers, but had little success. Yet his teachings were spread by his students who were inspired by the great thinker. These teachings became Confucianism—the official philosophy of China. Confucianism spread to nearby countries including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and today people still study the instructions on morality and responsibility.
