Confucius

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher whose teachings have profoundly influenced East Asian culture and thought for over two millennia. His philosophy centers on personal ethics, social harmony, and proper conduct.

The Analects, a collection of his sayings compiled by his disciples, emphasizes ren (benevolence), li (ritual propriety), and the cultivation of virtue through education and self-reflection. Confucius believed that social harmony begins with individual moral development.