Confucius (551–479 B.C.E.) was born in Shantung, China, where he advanced from poverty to an influential administrative post. He was a member of the Ju (the literal meaning of “ju” is weaklings), a social group of ritualists and teachers. Confucius and his colleagues and followers became members of the Ju-chia, the School of the Ju. They sought to develop and restore traditional ideals of concern for all living things and reverence toward other human beings by determining and following proper rules of conduct.

In 496 Confucius left his position to talk to rulers about the Ju-chia’s doctrines. During a time when warlords were chaotically vying for control of the declining Chou dynasty, he sought to import moral principles and the traditional virtues into government. Confucius’ thoughts were put together by his pupils in the Lun Yü, or Analects.