According to historical references, Confucius was born in the state of Lu to the noble Kong clan. His father, a commander of a district in Lu, died three years shortly after Confucius was born, leaving the family constrained by poverty. Nevertheless, Confucius received a fine education. He became married at the young age of 19, unfortunately his life of poverty had followed him into his married life (Riegel, Jeffrey, pg 1). Later he was compelled to become a servant for the chief of the district in which he lived. His mother died in 527 BC, and after a period of mourning he began his career as a teacher, usually traveling about and instructing the small body of disciples that had gathered around him. Becoming known as a man of learning and character with his passion for Chinese ideals and customs that soon spread through the principality of Lu. Although Confucius himself believed he was only a transmitter of old knowledge, in my opinion Confucius was an innovator of a new style of living. He brought these ways of living to new heights with respect and humbleness leading the principles of what later became known as Confucianism. .
Living during the second half of the Zhou dynasty, a time when feudalism degenerated in China and conspiracy was constant, Confucius was not an advocate of the contemporary behavior and lack of moral standards. He came to believe that the only remedy was to convert people once more to the principles that were once held by his ancestors. Lecturing his pupils on .
the ancient classics, while teaching the great value of the power of example (leading with action). According to him, rulers can become great and prosperous if and only if they themselves lead free lives, and are willing to be guided by true moral principles (Berling, Judith A, pg 3). These new theories that he implied through his teaching, and his style of thinking are what make him an innovator. .
Mencius and Xunzi are two of the more well known and developed followers of the Confucius teachings (Berling, Judith A).
