Confucius: by S.S.
[[intro]]
[[bibliography]]You turn down the new opportunity, deciding it will be safer to spend your days employed under the Jisun clan.
Suddenly, you hear about this scholar, guided by some of the same principles that you try to teach. He teaches in the west.
His disciples call him Master Lao, coming from Laozi.
Unsure of what to do next in your career and unhappy with your current position, you contemplate ''going to see this scholar'' to learn from him. Maybe you will learn how to impart your wisdom, much like the Old Master is doing now.
However, this journey would take months.. You are unsure if you can afford to take time away, especially at a time such as this when the dynasty is in danger of collapsing. Additionally, are you ready to give up your position? You consider ''staying in Lu'' as this provides your income.
[[go meet Lao Tzu]]
[[stay in Lu]]You become minister of works, and your excellence in this position leads to your promotion to minister of crime! In your capacity as minister of crime, you manage issues of law and order as well as diplomatic missions. However, your promotion does not have the desired effect; no one is willing to hear your ideas.
You hear about this scholar, guided by some of the same principles that you try to teach. He teaches in the west, and his disciples call him Master Lao, coming from Laozi.
Unsure of what to do next in your career and unhappy with your current position, you contemplate ''going to see this scholar'' to learn from him. Maybe you will learn how to impart your wisdom, much like the Old Master is doing now.
However, this journey would take months. You are unsure if you can afford to take time away, especially at a time such as this when the dynasty is in danger of collapsing. Additionally, are you ready to give up your government position? You consider ''staying in Lu'' and focusing on your goals. You firmly believe that men, of any social standing, could effect changes necessary with enough diligence and hardwork.
What will you choose?
[[go meet Lao Tzu]]
[[focus on fixing the system]]You meet lao tzu.
In 518 BCE, you decide to take the journey to meet Lao Tzu. However, upon meeting, he candidly criticizes you for your shortcomings. He bluntly comments on your stuffiness and arrogance.
Somewhat hurt by his thoughts, yet pleased with your visit, you now have a decision to make.
Your visit with Lao Tzu has taught you numerous things. Firstly, you have learnt much from Lao Tzu, such as how to teach and train disciples. You have watched him instruct disciples of his own. You find that this is your calling and passion. You are driven to ''go back to Lu''.
On the other hand, you have now gained the confidence to travel the Chinese world and look for a receptive audience. You firmly believe that you now know how to convey your ideas. You now have a decision to make: should you go back to Lu, or look locally for receptive leaders?
[[study and teach at Lu]]
[[Don't give up: continue to wander China and look for receptive leaders]]You return to Lu around 515 BCE.
Instead of accepting any form of governmental position, you spend your time studying and teaching, accumulating a large number of disciples. You teach them everything that interests you: from music and poetry to history and instruction in ritual. People from all walks of life come to learn from you, including sons of aristocrats, farmers, craftsmen, and even some criminals! During your time in instruction you meet three extraordinary individuals: Zigong, Zilu, and Yan Hui.
Zigong was a shrewd and eloquent merchant before he came to see you, now devoting himself entirely to his studies. You find promise in him, and the potential to be a financial manager or diplomat.
Unlike Zigong, Zilu is more rustic. You find that he will stop at no end to protect you from harm. You worry that there are more violent tendencies to his bravery and loyalty, but you favor his reliability.
Then, there is Yan Hui.
Yan Hui comes from an extremely impoverished background. He has a deep love for learning, and you find yourself favoring him above the rest.
As pleasant as you find teaching and spending time with these disciples, change is in the air. You now have a decision to make.
You have an opportunity to become the minister of crime once again. There is still a burning passion within you to correct the corruption of the government. With all the skills that you have accumulated, you believe you can finally reach your goal. You are guided by your clear philosophy, now shared with others.
However, this would mean you would have much less time to teach your disciples. You enjoy this job immensely. While teaching disciples is much less self-sustaining than a government position, you are finally able to indulge in your passion for learning.
What will you do?
[[try to fix the system: become minister of crime]]
[[focus on teaching your disciples full time]]
You decide to continue to wander China, looking for government officials. However, you search is fruitless.
In fear of unemployment and poverty, you have no choice but to return to Lu, where you spend the rest of your days as minister of works. You are offered the position again upon your return. While it is not how you wanted to spend your life, you are able to provide for yourself.
You die peacefully in Lu at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]] You decide to accept the position of minister of crime. As minister of crime, you are responsible for managing issues of law and order, as well as diplomatic missions.
However, a new conflict arises.
For generations, hereditary families and clans have tried to take power away from the legitimate rulers of Lu. You find these actions vile and culpable, and are willing to fight by any means, fair or foul, to stop these families.
Should you ''take action''? You find that their corrupt aspirations must be squashed immediately. If you wait to reach out to others, the families might already have taken over the adminstration. Furthermore, you do not know who you can trust.
However, certain risks come with taking on these families on your own. For example, you will have no support from anyone who exerts great influence upon the political world. You consider ''reaching out to some aristocrats'' to bring this issue to their attention instead.
What will you choose?
[[restore power to the rightful rulers: fight the families]]
[[bring up this issue to other members of the aristocracy: garner support]]You decide to continue your teachings in Lu. No one gives you any positions in the government, but you spend the rest of your days teaching and spending time with your disciples, a task that you enjoy immensely.
You die peacefully in Lu at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]] You decide to restore the power of the rightful ruler by yourself.
You have a plan to steer the families towards self ruin. However, the heads of these families and the duke himself starts to suspect your ideas.
You have now made many enemies in the state, and your idea backfires. The aristocrats and you yourself think it would be wise for you to leave Lu.
[[leave Lu]]
[[Protest: you were trying to do the right thing!]]You decide to follow a path of self exile.
During the next few years, you decide you will visit different states such as the states of Chen and Chu. Your goal? To find receptive leaders that are willing to offer you a job or that are willing to listen to your counsel.
However, you must decide: should you depart on this journey alone? You think it might be best to leave your diciples in Lu to live their lives.
On the other hand, they could be helpful during your journey. Companionship is what you know you will crave once you leave your hometown.
[[take your disciples with you]]
[[go alone]]
You decide to protest the adminstration's reconmmendation of self-exile.
You try to arrange a meeting with the Duke of Lu, but he refuses to see you. You try to reach other officials but they do not answer. Their decision is final, and they have now formally exiled you from your home.
What will you do? You have no choice but to ''leave Lu.'' While this saddens you deeply, you know that even if you tryied again to stay and were successful, no government official of the state would ever listen to you again.
However, you have some hope left. You could try ''disregarding the Duke's orders'' and stay in Lu regardless. This is dangerous and most likely would not work, but you would show some strength in your position.
What will happen next?
[[leave Lu]]
[[try to stay in Lu]]You decide to get the attention of other government officials.
Unfortunately, you have underestimated the reach of these hereditary families. No one else agrees with your sentiment. Some side with the families themselves, while others are scared of revolt.
Furthermore, word of your rebellious ways has reached the families. They suspect you will start a coup, and you have been exiled from Lu.
[[Protest: you were trying to do the right thing!]]
[[leave Lu]] You decide to embark upon this journey of exile with your closest friends and disciples: Zigong, Zilu, and Yan Hui.
You now have a decision to make. There are many states where you think you can find receptive leaders. Chief among these is the state of Wei. Zilu has relatives in the state of Wei that he thinks he can introduce to you. If they are anything like Zilu, you know that you can rely on them.
However, you don't want others to think that nepotism started your career. It might be better to self-start your profession by going to a state you know little of: the state of ''Chen''.
What will you choose?
[[go to Wei]]
[[start with chen]]You decide to start this long journey on your own.
Although you may be apprehensive about embarking on this journey independently, you are determined to make a successful return. Now you have choices to make. As you job serach, looking for leaders, you can either go to the state of ''Chen'' or the state of ''Wei''. Both places have their own advantages.
There are many states where you think you can find receptive leaders. Chief among these is the state of Wei. Zilu has relatives in the state of Wei, but he is, unfortunately, not with you. However, if they are anything like Zilu, you know that you can rely on them to help you..
However, you don't want others to think that nepotism was the start of your career. It might be better to self-start your profession by going to state you know little of: the state of ''Chen''.
What will you choose?
[[head to Wei]]
[[start with chen]] You decide to go to Wei.
In the state of Wei, there are many that know of your reputation. Powerful men in the service of the ruler were willing to help you. However, none of these connections land you a job. Zilu himself introduces you to the state's ruler. However, to your dismay, he is not at all interested in finding counsel. Additionally, he had many inter-state conflicts to worry about at the time. You decide to wait there for four years, finally being granted an audience at the end of those years. However, you are disappointed; you find the ruler is nothing like the Zilu you know, and his character and judgement are questionable. The ruler soon dies, and you find no other reason to stay in Wei.
[[head south to Chen]]
[[head southwest to Chu]]
You head south to Chen, first passing through the state of Song to do so.
However, you seem to have accumulated many enemies throughout your life. These enemies have been plotting to destroy for some time now, and, during this self-exile, they ambush you!
On one instance, the military officer Huan Tui ambushes you as you pass through the state of Song! In centuries to come, historians will conjecture about the motives behind these actions that have been taken against you, but for now, these acts have only served to strengthen your resolve.
On another instance, a mob finds you as you continue to Chen, passing through Kuang. However, this instance is far more life threatening. A mob finds you in the town of Kuang, and you are surrounded! You luckily escape, and think to yourself that Heaven has given you virtue; what can the acts of the people of Kuang possibly do to you?
You spend three uneventful years in Chen. Soon, a war breaks out between Chen and a neighbouring state. You see no reason to continue here. You must decide: where to go next? You can head to the state of ''Wei'', or you can ''head west to Chu''.
What will you do?
[[head to Wei]]
[[head southwest to Chu]] You head south to Chen, first passing through the state of Song to do so.
However, you seem to have accumulated many enemies throughout your life. These enemies have been plotting to destroy for some time now, and, during this self-exile, they ambush you!
On one instance, the military officer Huan Tui ambushes you as you pass through the state of Song! In centuries to come, historians will conjecture about the motives behind these actions that have been taken against you, but for now, these acts have only served to strengthen your resolve.
On another instance, a mob finds you as you continue to Chen, passing through Kuang. However, this instance is far more life threatening. A mob finds you in the town of Kuang, and you are surrounded! You luckily escape, and think to yourself that Heaven has given you virtue; what can the acts of the people of Kuang possibly do to you?
What will you do?
[[continue the journey]]
[[turn back]]You decide to go to the state of Chu. However, a new problem arises.
Your provisions have unfortunately run out. You start to become so weak that you are unable to rise up on your feet. You have a decision to make: should you try to ''continue to Chu'' with whatever little you have left? Or, should you ''turn back'' now, while you still have sustenance?
[[brave it out and continue to Chu]]
[[continue the journey]] You decide to go to the state of Chu. However, a new problem arises.
Your provisions have unfortunately run out. You start to become so weak that you are unable to rise up on your feet. You have a decision to make: should you try to ''continue to Chu'' with whatever little you have left? Or, should you ''retrace your steps'', while you still have sustenance?
[[retrace your steps]]
[[brave it out and continue to Chu]]Fearing for your life, you decide to turn back, and return to Lu promptly. There, you are not welcome but tolerated. No one gives you any positions in the government, but you spend the rest of your days teaching and spending time with your disciples.
You die peacefully in Lu at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]] You decide to retrace yout steps on this journey.
You and your disciples go to Chen and then to Wei. This takes over three years, and, once in the state of Wei, you decide to stay for another two years. Two of your disciples, Zigong and Ran Qui, leave you in Wei, accepting employment in the Lu government. It is here that the talents of these disciples shine through; Zigong's skill in diplomacy & Ran Qui's proficiency in warfare. Together, they approach the ruler and chief counselor of Lu, asking them to make an offer to you.
in 484 BCE, a summons from the duke arrives, along with a gift of a large sum. You debate ''returning to your home'', incredibly homesick after this long journey. However, you have a choice to make: should you accept positions on the government or continue as a common man? You think you have had your fill of the cruel world of politics but you are still, after all this time, filled with the hope for a new position.
What will you do?
[[return to Lu and see what opportunites arise]]
[[return to Lu but stay as a common man]]You decide to continue to Chu. However, this task is impossible.
You are only able to make it to a border town of Chu before you realize the insurmountable effort and resources it will take to continue the journey, both of which are in limited supply. You have no choice but to ''turn back''.
[[turn back]] You decide to return to Lu and look for new positions.
However, upon your return, the present ruler and his counselors see you as their ''guolao''. Over the years, they approach you for advice and use your disciples as intermediaries.
Additionally, the number of your disciples multiply, much due to the success of Ran Qui and Zigong. These two men enhance your reputation, and you are regarded as one that could prepare young men for political careers.
Even as old age creeps up on you, you rejoice, astonished at the wonders of life and the will and perserverance of human beings. You pass away peaceully at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE. But your legacy withstands for centuries to come.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]] You decide to turn down the position of guolao.
Instead, you focus on your passions, deciding to teach for the rest of your life. During this time, the number of your disciples multiply; partly due to word of mouth between disciples. In fact, the success of your disciples such as Zigong only enhanced your reputation. You develop a reputation preparing young men for political careers.
You teach and give advice on a wide variety of topics. Some come asking about the idea of virtue, or about moral requisites for governmental positions. Others were interested solely on how to advance in the world.
Even as old age creeps up on you, you rejoice, astonished at the wonders of life and the will and perserverance of human beings. You pass away peaceully at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE. But your legacy withstands for centuries to come.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]] Year 551/552: Birth.
You are born Kong-Qui, but will be known later throughout your life as Kong the Master or Confucius. You are born and raised in the ancient state of Lu, in its capital Qufu. You will live there for most of your life. You are born during the Zhou dynasty in the year 551 near the end of the Spring and Autumn period, a time rife with conflict and bloodshed between states.
As you grow up, you become increasingly aware of the disunity of the Zhou regime. You begin to think that you have the knowledge to set things right. You are driven by this idea that the moral resolve of a few could have a beneficial effect on the fate of the many and that good men should be tested in politics. Driven by this philosophy, you contemplate [[following your passion]]. You want to chase a career in politics and share your ideas with others.
However, your rank in society is a defining factor in your career path, as is the case for many men in the ancient Chinese world. You come from the family line of the Kongs, an aristocratic family from the state of Song. However, in Lu, you are just above the common citizen. The common folk cannot displace the aristocrats as the society’s elite. However, you know that if you worked hard enough and were smart, you could exert influence in most political contests. Are you up for the challenge? A small part of you thinks it is best to play it safe:[[follow the common path: become a merchant]]. You could make a decent living catering to the aristocrats. While merchants are at the bottom of the social scale, some could become wealthy and even surpass aristocrats in certain circumstances.Bibliography
Britannica, Encyclopedia, ed. "Lu." Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified January 22, 2022. Accessed February 22, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/event/Warring-States.
Cartwright, Mark. "Confucius." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified November 29, 2012. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/Confucius/#citation_info.
Chin, Annping. "Confucius." Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified July 20, 1998. Accessed February 14, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Confucius.
"Confucius." In Gale Contextual Encyclopedia of World Literature, 415-18. Vol. 1. Detroit, MI: Gale, 2009. https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&hitCount=363&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=2&docId=GALE%7CCX2507200132&docType=Biography&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=&prodId=GVRL&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CCX2507200132&searchId=R1&userGroupName=cinc13591&inPS=true.
Donn, Lin. "Professions: Ancient China for Kids." Mr. Donn's Site for Kids and Teachers. Accessed April 22, 2023. https://china.mrdonn.org/professions.html#:~:text=There%20were%20four%20major%20professions%20in%20ancient%20China.,warriors%29%2C%20farmers%2C%20artistians%20%28artists%20and%20craftsmen%29%2C%20and%20merchants.
You decide to lead a life that you know you will enjoy. At around fifteen years old, you start to study to become a scholar. Music and ancient history interests you, so you study as much as you can. Additionally, you start to study the political world and the current Lu government. You soon find a job as keeper of granaries with the Jisun clan, a hereditary family. You are also appointed as a district official in the family's feudal domain.
This job is important; you are soon faced with new opportunities! The Lu government approaches you and asks you to ''become minister of works''. This is good; it could mean that someone of high social standing will listen to your ideas and put them into effect.
However, a new job such as this comes with its own risks.
The Zhou dynasty was approaching its 500th year. The foundation of the dynasty is starting to degrade. The feudal system starts to dissipate as family ties start to deteriorate. The political world is one of danger and instability. The government and society is extensive with injustice. You debate ''staying with the Jisun clan'' as you suspect the new job will lead to worse situations.
[[take higher positions: become minister of works]]
[[stay with the Jisun clan]]You decide to become a common merchant. While slightly unfulfilling, you know that this job will provide you financial security in your life.
Suddenly, you hear about this scholar, guided by some of the same principles that you try to teach. He teaches in the west.
His disciples call him Master Lao, coming from Laozi.
Unsure of what to do next in your career and unhappy with your current position, you contemplate ''going to see this scholar'' to learn from him. Maybe you will learn how to impart your wisdom, much like the Old Master is doing now.
However, the journey will take weeks. Can you afford to stay away from Lu for that long? you think that you would be better off ''continuing your path''.
What will you do?
[[stay in Lu as a merchant]]
[[go meet Lao Tzu]] You decide to stay in Lu. You spend your time with the Jisun clan. You live out the rest of your days happily, yet feeling slightly unfulfilled. The Jisun clan has been nice to you during your time in their employ. You die peacefully in Lu at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]] You decide to stay in Lu as a merchant.
In your capacity as a merchant, you stress the importance of integrity, frugality, and of hard work. While this is not your passion, the values that you exercise bring you joy.
You support trade and help create stable markets in Lu.
While you are only a common merchant, you earn a sizable portion. Additionally, you are able to influence government officials. While you are not proud of these facts, you deem it necessary if the government is destined to improve.
You hear of a governmental position that is open. Connected to you via trade and goods, some government officials nominate you, thinking of your policies of hard work and integrity.
The Lu government approaches you and asks you to ''become minister of works''. This is good; it could mean that someone of high social standing will listen to your ideas and put them into effect.
However, a new job such as this comes with its own risks. Politics is a dangerous field. You personally know the uncertainty of the Zhou dynasty. Many predict that impending collapse of the dynasty itself. You think it best to ''continue as a merchant'', no matter how unfulfilling your life might be.
What will you do?
[[take higher positions: become minister of works]]
[[spend the rest of your life as a merchant]]You decide to stay in Lu. You spend your time with the Jisun clan. You live out the rest of your days happily, yet feeling slightly unfulfilled. The Jisun clan has been nice to you during your time in their employ. You die peacefully in Lu at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]] The duke is extremely angry with you.
You return to your house, to find it has been emptied. Soon after, government employees formally escort you to the state borders. You are forced to leave.
[[leave Lu]]You decide to go to Wei.
In the state of Wei, there are many that know of your reputation. Powerful men in the service of the ruler were willing to help you. However, none of these connections land you a job. Moreover, to your dismay, the ruler is not at all interested in finding counsel. He has many inter-state conflicts to worry about at the time. You decide to wait there for four years, finally being granted an audience at the end of those years. However, you are disappointed; you find the ruler is nothing like the Zilu you know, and his character and judgement are questionable. The ruler soon dies, and you find no other reason to stay in Wei.
[[head south to Chen]]
[[head southwest to Chu]]
You decide to focus on fulfilling your purpose of fixing the system.
You continue as minister of crime. you spend the rest of your days in this job .While it is not how you wanted to spend your life, you are able to provide for yourself and live comfortably.
You die peacefully in Lu at the age of 73 on the 11th day of the fourth lunar month in the year 479 BCE.
start over: [[The Beginning]]
[[bibliography]]