The Story of Confucius Animated | Short Animation

Summary

This video explores the life and legacy of Confucius, a pivotal Chinese philosopher born around 551-479 BC. Raised in poverty after his father's early death, Confucius dedicated his life to learning and teaching. He held various government roles, notably as Minister of Crime, before establishing a school that welcomed students from all social backgrounds. His writings, including the 'Book of Poetry' and 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' encapsulate his teachings, which emphasize morality, social harmony, and proper governance. Confucius's philosophy, known as Confucianism, has had a profound and lasting influence on Chinese culture and beyond.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confucius was born around 551-479 BC in the Lu province of the Zhou dynasty, in modern-day Chufu, China.
• 😀 He lost his father at a young age and was raised in poverty by his mother, Yan Zhangzai.
• 😀 Confucius began his education at 15, studying classic Chinese works and the 'Six Arts' of his time.
• 😀 At age 19, he married Qiwang, and they had three children, but suffered the loss of a daughter and later his mother.
• 😀 He served in various government roles, including Minister of Crime, where he effectively handled legal and diplomatic issues.
• 😀 After a fallout with Duke Ding, Confucius left the court and spent 12 years traveling and teaching.
• 😀 He established a school upon returning home at age 68, open to students from all social classes without tuition fees.
• 😀 Confucius believed himself to be a transmitter of ancient moral traditions rather than a creator of new ideas.
• 😀 He authored important texts, including the 'Book of Songs,' 'Book of Documents,' and the 'Spring and Autumn Annals.'
• 😀 Confucius's teachings emphasized morality, social harmony, and ethics, forming the foundation of Confucianism, which continues to influence culture today.

Q & A

Who was Confucius and when was he born?

Confucius was a prominent Chinese philosopher born around 551-479 BC in the province of Lu, part of the Zhou dynasty, near modern-day Chufu.

What were some of the names Confucius was known by?

He was known as Kang Chu, Kung Fuchu, Master Kong, and by the literary name Zhangi.

What were the circumstances of Confucius's early life?

Confucius's father died when he was three years old, and he was raised in poverty by his mother, Yan Zhangzai.

What educational pursuits did Confucius undertake?

Confucius began learning at an early age, studied classic Chinese works, and attended schools where he learned the Six Arts, eventually studying under various masters in music and other disciplines.

What significant events marked Confucius's family life?

Confucius married at 19 and had three children, but faced the tragedy of losing one daughter in childhood and mourning his mother for three years after her death at age 23.

What roles did Confucius serve in government?

He held various government positions, including a bookkeeper, and later became the minister of crime under Duke Ding, where he effectively handled legal and order issues.

What led to Confucius's departure from court?

At the age of 56, Confucius fell out of favor with Duke Ding over the duke's excesses, prompting him to leave the court and wander for nearly 12 years.

What was the nature of Confucius's teachings?

Upon returning home at age 68, Confucius established a school open to all societal classes, teaching traditional moral values without charging tuition, only requesting symbolic gifts.

What contributions did Confucius make to literature and philosophy?

He wrote several significant works, including the 'Book of Poetry' (Shijing), 'Book of Documents' (Shujing), 'Spring and Autumn Annals' (Chunqiu), and 'Book of Changes' (Yijing), and is known as the father of Confucianism.

What are the core principles of Confucianism?

Confucianism emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness in social relationships, justice, kindness, and honesty, becoming a crucial part of Chinese culture and social fabric.