Confucius

Confucius (c. 551-479 B.C.) was the most influential philosopher in Chinese history. His real name was Kong Qiu; the name "Confucius" was taken from the Latin title "Kongfuzi," meaning "Great Master Kong." His teachings, now collectively called Confucianism, stressed moral character, responsibility, social correctness, and respect. He believed the family provided the basis for an ideal government. Several hundred years after his death, Confucius's teachings were accepted and eventually became official Chinese government philosophy. His philosophy was also embraced and honored in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Although no book survives that was definitely written by Confucius, his disciples recorded his teachings in The Analects.