Confucius



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 * "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."**

K’ung Ch’iu, or Confucius, was born in 551 B.C in the small Chinese town of Tsou during the Chou dynasty (c. 1100-221 B.C.). Ruling over such a vast amount of land became difficult, however, and the country broke up into individual states and made [|feudalism] an idea of the past. Rulers of the new states were educated but corrupt aristocrats who used war as a means to gain the spoils and pleasures they wanted. The aristocrats ignored the suffering of the poverty-stricken people, which caused extreme social differences between the classes. The people were struggling under the new form of government, and they wanted a new direction and purpose in their lives. Confucius grew up during this transfer of power. While he was a descendent from an aristocrat, Confucius grew up in an impoverished family, and viewed the world with a "practical perspective". Confucius was three when his father died, and his mother had to take on multiple jobs in order to support the family. By the time has was 15, he had decided to devote himself to education while working various jobs such as a book-keeper, shepherd, cowherd, and clerk. He began traveling to different parts of the country, giving advice to the different leaders. During this time he developed a group of followers. His teachings include righteousness, honesty, trust, love within a family, and loyalty to the state. These beliefs became known as Confucianism, and is now followed and sometimes recognized as a Religion.

In "My Children! My Africa!" Mr. M says that Confucius is his teacher. Indeed, Mr. M and Confucius share many key ideas. They both believe very strongly in the power of education, and the importance of morality as a part of the government. Mr. M tries to use education to show the children how they are being supressed by the governernment.

For additional information about Confucius and his life visit: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/confucius/ http://www.confucius.org/lunyu/edbio.htm http://www.religioustolerance.org/confuciu.htm

For more about different cultures during the time of "My Africa! My Children!" click here. To learn about the history of the apartheid, visit this page. To read about Nelson Mandela, click here.

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