Video: Confucius: Words of Wisdom

Summary & Classroom Guide:

In an age of intrigue and vice, his was a voice of morality and virtue. 2,500 years after his death, he is revered as one of the greatest teachers in history. Confucius’ name is synonymous with ageless wisdom. His teachings are often cited as the inspiration behind East Asia’s current “economic miracle.” Biography travels back to China’s feudal era to tell Confucius’ dramatic story, from his impoverished childhood and down the long road to his years as a celebrated teacher. Leading scholars reveal why his message of “five virtues” was not always accepted by the leaders of the day. Confucius: Words of Wisdom would be useful for classes on Asian History, Philosophy, Religion and Asian Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school. (1 hour)

• aspiration
• benign
• concubine
• despondent
• disciple
• dowry
• eloquence
• entourage
• feudal
• impoverished
• innovative
• insatiable
• mundane
• prodigy
• prophetic
• sage
• spurn
• subjugate
• undaunted
• voracious

1. Confucius’ life was a lifelong quest for knowledge and wisdom. But his road to wisdom was a bitter trail of tears. Why were there bitter tears in his life?

2. Confucius’ childhood was one spent in abject poverty. How did this background of poverty influence his destiny and teachings?

3. The era of Confucius was one of political chaos and intrigue. Describe this political backdrop to Confucius’ life and how it shaped Confucius’ philosophy.

4. How did Confucius view education? How did he believe education could have a major role in rejecting the class system of feudal China?

5. Why is Confucius considered the greatest teacher ever produced by East Asia?

6. Confucius spent much of life seeking political power. Why did he feel it was so necessary for him to have political power and influence?

7. How did Confucius finally gain his political power? Did it achieve Confucius’ goals?

8. Confucius spoke plainly and bluntly. How did his blunt speaking endanger his life

9. Most of China’s ruling elite, while praising Confucius’ wisdom and teachings, ignored his political and social visions. Why did the elite ignore Confucius? What did they have to lose if they embraced his visions?

10. What is the legacy of Confucius?

1. Write an essay in which you compare Confucius with other great historical reformers. What do they have in common? How do they differ?

2. Create a poster that illustrates the feudal hierarchy in ancient China. How does this social and political system compare with European feudalism?