Confucius（孔子）was one of the most important people in human history.He taught people to be polite and love each other.His ideas changed people's life.
Early Life
Confucius was born around 551 B.C.in China.That was over 2，500 years ago.Some say that Confucius was born into a rich family.Others say he was born poor.One thing is clear：Confucius lived during a time of great trouble.
Philosophy（哲学）and Teachings
Different groups in China were fighting.People forgot about good manners（礼仪）.This made Confucius sad.He wanted people to be kind and polite to each other.He believed in the idea of"ren".That means "loving others"."People should follow the Golden Rule，"he said.The Golden Rule is"to treat others as you would like to be treated".He believed that a good leader should treat his followers with care.This would help the leader set a good example.Confucius thought leaders could make people follow the law（法律）
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Confucius promoted（提倡）music education.He thought music had a strong influence on people and believed that music could make the things on the earth get on well with each other.
So music made it possible for our society to develop well.
Death
Confucius died at the age of 71 or 72.After his death，he was honored as a man of wisdom.His ideas helped shape the Chinese government.Today he is known as one of the most important teachers in Chinese history.
