China: Confucius (Kong Zi, K'ung-tzu, K'ung-fu-tzu, 551– 479 BCE), celebrated Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period. Illustration from Confucius Sinarum Philosophus (Confucius, the Philosopher of the Chinese), 1687

The philosophy of Confucius emphasises personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. These values gained prominence in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).

Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism. It was introduced to Europe by the Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci, who was the first to Latinise the name as 'Confucius'.

His teachings may be found in the Analects of Confucius, a collection of brief aphoristic fragments, which was compiled many years after his death.

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