English Original
No philosopher in history has affected more individual lives than Confucius. For over two millennia, Confucianism was "the most important single force in Chinese life." His philosophy took shape in his youth, born from dismay at the state of China. He urged those in power to embrace higher morals and compassion, believing that social peace required the practice of li (ritual propriety or courtesy). For Confucius, an "ideal" society depended on universal morality and personal responsibility. He died centuries before his ideas gained widespread recognition, and though he considered his own life unfulfilled, his global influence rivals that of major religious figures.
Confucius was born in the state of Lu (modern Shandong Province). His father died when he was three, and his mother when he was twenty-three. Born into humble circumstances and facing social disdain, he was denied formal education as a peasant. Nevertheless, he cultivated a deep interest in spirituality and tradition. By working for a noble, he gained access to classical writings and educated himself. Renowned for his fairness and erudition, he attracted many disciples, gladly teaching all who sought his wisdom. Duke Zhao of Lu so admired him that he appointed Confucius as an advisor. When the Duke was exiled, Confucius followed him to the state of Qi, where he earned similar respect. However, the ruler of Qi, though sympathetic, refused to implement Confucius's doctrines. After Duke Zhao's death in exile in 511 BC, Confucius returned to Lu, abandoned political office, and founded a private school. Students flocked to him from afar; he was, effectively, "changing China one student at a time."
A core tenet of his philosophy is expressed in this chain of logic: "To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right." To "set the heart right," one must possess five virtues: integrity, righteousness, loyalty, altruism, and ren (benevolence, or respect for all life). Confucius also advocated a code of conduct emphasizing moderation, fulfilling one's duties to the best of one's ability, understanding one's role in relationships, and respecting elders. He believed that only through such individual cultivation could an ideal society be realized. Confucianism did not become China's dominant ideology until the Han Dynasty under Emperor Wu. Once adopted, it flourished and remained central to Chinese thought for centuries. Its enduring respect is evident in temples where Confucius is sometimes venerated alongside Buddha.
In summary, Confucius rose from mere peasantry to become a master teacher. His teachings were not fully appreciated in his lifetime, and authorities often viewed him with suspicion, fearing his influence. Yet, for over twenty centuries, people have embraced his philosophy, including its emphasis on diligence, social responsibility, and consideration for others. Throughout his life, his unwavering aim was to create a better world.
中文翻译
历史上，没有哪位哲学家比孔子影响了更多个体的生命。两千多年来，儒家思想是"中国生活中最重要的单一力量"。他的哲学形成于青年时期，源于对当时中国状况的失望。他敦促当权者秉持更高的道德和同情心，认为社会和平需要践行"礼"。对孔子而言，一个"理想"的社会依赖于普遍的道德和个人责任。他在思想获得广泛认可前数个世纪便已去世，尽管他认为自己的一生未尽其志，但其全球影响力可与主要宗教人物相媲美。
孔子出生于鲁国（今山东省）。他三岁丧父，二十三岁丧母。出身寒微，身为平民而遭受社会轻视，他被剥夺了接受正规教育的权利。然而，他对精神和传统深感兴趣。通过为贵族工作，他得以接触典籍并自学成才。他以公正和博学闻名，吸引了许多门徒，乐于教导所有求教者。鲁昭公非常赏识他，任命他为顾问。昭公被流放时，孔子跟随他到了齐国，并在那里赢得了同样的尊重。然而，齐国国君虽同情其学说，却拒绝实施孔子的教义。公元前511年昭公在流放中去世后，孔子返回鲁国，放弃官职，创办了私学。学生从远方慕名而来；他实际上是在"一次一个学生地改变中国"。
其哲学的一个核心原则体现在这一逻辑链条中："欲治其国者，先齐其家；欲齐其家者，先修其身；欲修其身者，先正其心。" 要"正心"，必须具备五种美德：诚信、正义、忠诚、利他和"仁"（仁爱，即尊重一切生命）。孔子还提倡一套行为准则，强调中庸、竭尽所能履行责任、明辨人际关系中的角色以及尊敬长辈。他认为，只有通过这样的个人修养，理想社会才能实现。儒家思想直到汉武帝时期的汉朝才成为中国的核心意识形态。一旦被采纳，它便蓬勃发展，并在数个世纪里一直是中国思想的核心。其持久的尊崇体现在有时将孔子与佛陀一同供奉的庙宇中。
总之，孔子从一介平民崛起成为一位宗师。他的教导在其生前并未得到充分赏识，当局也常因惧怕其影响力而以怀疑的眼光看待他。然而，二十多个世纪以来，人们一直信奉他的哲学，包括其强调勤奋、社会责任和为他者着想的部分。终其一生，他坚定不移的目标是创造一个更美好的世界。