The deeds of Confucius

First, the birth year, birthplace and family background of Confucius

Confucius' famous mountain, the word Zhong Ni. Born in twenty-one years (twenty-two years of Duke Xiang of Lu), that is, August 27th in Gregorian calendar and September 28th in 55 BC1year. I advocate determining Confucius' birthday according to the summer calendar.

"The Biography of the Ram" said: "In the twenty-first year of Xianggong, there was a boxer who gave birth to Confucius." Biography of Gu Liang: "In the twenty-first year of Xianggong, in October, Gengzi was born and Confucius was born." "Shiben": "Twenty-two years of" xianggong ",winter October, boxer, Confucius was born." Chronology of the Twelve Governors in Historical Records: "Twenty-two years of Xianggong, Confucius was born." Kong Guangmu's textual research on the year of the saint's death: the year comes from Historical Records, the month comes from Gu Liang, and the day comes from Ram and Gu Liang. Cheng's "Combining Classics and Righteousness": "It is said that Confucius was born in Gengzi in October of the 22nd year, which is now August 27th, but actually it is August 28th."

During the Spring and Autumn Period, Lu Yi (now Qufu City, Yancheng City, Shandong Province) was born. His ancestors were the Shang royal family; After the demise of Shang Dynasty in Zhou Dynasty, descendants of Shang Dynasty were sealed in Song State and became princes. Four spread to Song Mingong, the eldest son Fu Fuhe and the second son Keith. Gong Min passed the throne to his younger brother (Yang Gong), so he wanted to make his younger brother Fu Fu. What did Fu Fu do to escape the crime of killing his brother and make his brother Gong Li and Fu Fu clear again?

Wisdom Fofo Agbo's father, He Zengsun, is an educated man. He assisted three generations of kings in the Song Dynasty as Shangqing. His son, Kong Fu Jia, is the sixth ancestor of Confucius. Because he was blessed by his family, his word "Kong Fu" was taken as his surname by later generations. He used to be a fu, but was later killed by the rebellious minister Hua.

Confucius' father Jia's great-grandson is Confucius, who fled to Lu to escape the supervision of the founding father and became the physician of Lu, and his status can still be said to be a "scholar". Confucius' father, named Shu Lianggan, was a military attache under Lu. Lu is a famous soldier. First marry the history of Lu, and have nine women and no men; There was a concubine who gave birth to a boy named Meng Pi, who was very ill and became a cripple. Liang Shu-Kong also proposed to Yan Ji, whom he knew at ordinary times, and gave birth to Confucius.

"Historical Records" said, "The first Song people also said that Confucius was against uncles. Fang Shusheng gave birth to Ge, and Ge married Yan's daughter and gave birth to Confucius. " Confucius' mother's surname is Yan, Ming and Ge, and it is said that there is a big difference in age. Perhaps their marriage procedures did not conform to the etiquette at that time, so they were ridiculed by the society. Jiang said, "I have a wife and concubine, and I am married to the Yan family. However, I suspect that I live together now and have never had a wedding, so I call it' wildness'. "

Home said that Confucius' father died when he was three years old and was buried in Fangshan. Mother didn't tell her father where she was buried. Later, when he was seventeen, his mother died. He temporarily buried his mother in the "Five Fathers Road" to let others know where his father was buried and buried his parents together. However, the credibility of this statement is difficult to determine.

Second, Confucius' childhood life.

In 543 BC, when Confucius was eight years old, Ji Zha, the son of the State of Wu, went to Lu and heard the music and songs of the Zhou Dynasty and other countries specially preserved by Lu. When Confucius was eleven years old, Han of Jin visited Lu, met Yi Xiang and Lu Chunqiu, and exclaimed, "The rites of Zhou are all in Lu." These had a great influence on Confucius, especially in the comments on The Book of Songs, Confucius mostly adopted Ji Zha's views. At the beginning, Lu was a fief of the Duke of Zhou in the Western Zhou Dynasty, and the Emperor of Zhou licensed Lu to use Dile. Therefore, compared with other countries, Shandong has preserved more ancient books of the previous generation. In this very strong cultural atmosphere, Confucius has an important relationship with the formation of his thoughts.

Third, the fifteenth aims at learning.

Confucius claimed to be "single-minded in studying the Tenth Five-Year Plan", and he studied in a wide range. "Historical Records Confucius Family" said: "Confucius is a son, a play, and the forbidden army is a bean, and a gift is set." Look at Lao Zi and learn Xiangzi Guqin. "The Biography of Zhong Ni's Disciples" said: "The strict thing of Confucius: In Zhou, Laozi; , discipline; , Yan; Yu Chu, Lao Laizi; Yu Lu, Meng Gong. It is said that Zang Wenzhong, Liu Xiahui, Shu Tong Bohua and Jieshan are natural, and Confucius is the latter, not the world. " Confucius' pursuit of learning is not a general pursuit of fame and fortune, but "taking Tao as the purpose and relying on morality", which is to seek moral perfection and reasonable attitude and code of conduct in life. What he studied was different from the religious ideological trend of looking forward to the afterlife and observing the truth of natural science, but focused on the reality of ethics and political society, that is, the "politicized" outlook on life, literature and politics, which are the characteristics of Confucian philosophy and the main characteristics of China's philosophy.

Confucius was "poor and cheap" when he was young. On one occasion, Ji's family gave a banquet to the literati, and Confucius went, but yang hu, Ji's retainer, refused. But he is also famous for his eagerness to learn. When he was seventeen years old, Li Zi, a doctor in Lu, once praised him and said, "There was a saint Kong Qiu who died in the Song Dynasty ... I heard that although he is not alive, he will achieve something. Today, Kong Qiu is very young and has a good talent. What can he achieve? " And asked his son Ziyi to worship Confucius as a teacher. Later, as expected, I worshipped Confucius as a teacher and learned etiquette with Uncle Jing of Nangong. But Confucius was not satisfied, and he also gave Uncle Nangong "due courtesy".

After about twenty years old, Confucius worked as a junior official twice, once as an accountant (in charge of the granary) and once as a farmer (in charge of cattle and sheep).

Fourth, enter middle age and give lectures in private.

By the time Confucius was about 30 years old, his knowledge had reached a relatively mature stage. He wanted to make his ideas public, so he opened up a private lecture road and began a private lecture career that had never been seen before in history.

The textbook he used was adapted from the information he had before, so he said "talk without action". The subjects he teaches are courtesy, pleasure and number of books. The purpose of teaching is to cultivate self-cultivation and cultivate temperament, so as to shoulder the heavy responsibility of helping the world. In terms of teaching methods, he insists on the purpose of "no anger, no power" and "teaching without leaving a lesson". Therefore, in the following decades, a Confucian school with great influence on society was formed.

This year, and Yan Ying came to Lu, and Confucius once answered with them. Gong Jing was glad to hear his words.

Verb (abbreviation for verb) leaves Lu.

After Lu was named emperor, the regime was in the hands of the "Sanhuan" (that is, the descendants' surname, uncle and surname). Later, after the failure of Lu Zhaogong, Confucius was very dissatisfied with Ji Sun's etiquette behavior and issued a call for "forbearance". He saw that Lu was so chaotic that he had no chance to govern the country politically, so he left Lu for Qi in 5 17 BC (at the age of 34). When he arrived in Qi, he became a servant, hoping to get in touch with him. When he was in Qi State, he and Qi Jinggong talked about the famous idea of name rectification, namely, "Jun Jun, minister, father, son." In Qi State, he talked with the masters of Qi State about music, listened to little music, and studied deeply, so that he was fascinated to the point of "I don't know the taste of meat in March". Duke Jing of Jin wanted to give Confucius a fief, but he was opposed by Yan Ying, who regarded Confucius as a spy of her family. Even the doctors in Qi tried to harm him. Confucius failed and had to leave Qi and return to Lu.

Six, back to Shandong apprentice

After returning from Qi to Lu, Confucius specialized in education. At this time, his knowledge has been quite profound. However, because "Dr. Lu was arrogant and deviated from the right path, Confucius did not retire from his official position, but he wrote poems, books, rituals and music, with many disciples, and he came from afar." In the long-term educational practice, his theory is more mature and perfect. At the age of 47, yang hu repeatedly asked him to be an official, but he refused.

At this time, "the public mountain does not pay the Ji family, which makes people recruit Confucius." Confucius followed the Tao for a long time without trying, so he couldn't use it for himself. "He wants to go there to imitate Zhou Wenwang and Zhou Wuwang. Lutz was very unhappy and stopped Confucius. For some reason, Confucius didn't go after all.

Seven, official career

At the age of 565,438+0, Confucius was officially appointed as the leader of Zhongdu (now Wenshang County, Shandong Province). Because of his outstanding achievements, he was promoted to Xiao Sikong (in charge of engineering) and was appointed as a big scout (in charge of justice) at the age of 52. Later, as a courtesy, I attended the "Valley-clamping Conference" between Qilu and Qilu. Above the meeting, Confucius "assisted the monarch with the way of a gentleman" everywhere, and acted in full accordance with the etiquette, which made him deeply ashamed and returned to the three cities of Lu, creating unprecedented achievements in the diplomatic history of Lu for many years. It can be seen from the situation of this conference recorded in Confucius Family that Confucius not only attaches importance to etiquette and music, but also pays equal attention to civil and military affairs and etiquette and law.

Since then, Confucius once talked with Lu about the strategy of governing the country. Confucius said, "I have no hidden armor, and the doctor has no city." And appointed Zhong You () as Ji Zai, and took substantive measures for the Third Ring Road, namely, "capturing the three capitals", seizing the fiefs of uncles and nephews, and attempting to attack the fiefs of history without success. From this record in Historical Records, we can see that Confucius not only made good use of rites and music, but also made good use of soldiers.

At the age of 56, Confucius participated in politics for three months and managed the country in an orderly way. So that "Qi people are afraid of it" and think that "Confucius must be in charge". This shows that Confucius' ability to govern the country is by no means an armchair strategist, but very practical.

"Falling into the three capitals" caused a strong antipathy to the Third Ring Road, which led to a strong rejection of Confucius. Moreover, Confucius' achievements aroused the envy and worry of Qi, so he alienated the internal relations of Lu, and at the same time sent 80 beautiful women, "all dressed and danced' recreation', more than 30 people." Lu readily accepted, ignored the state affairs for three days, and ignored Confucius' attitude. Confucius knew that the plan of governing the country could not be implemented, so with a heavy heart,

Eight, travel around the world

When Confucius first arrived in Weiguo, he treated him well and gave him a salary of 60 thousand millet according to Lu's standard. But because someone slandered Wei Jun, Confucius was afraid of being convicted and only went abroad for six months. On the way there, he was surrounded by Kuang for five days because of misunderstanding. Confucius encouraged himself with the descendants of culture and finally got through the difficulties. After that, a few months later, he returned to Weiguo and stayed with Chi. Wei Linggong's wife Nanzi summoned him, but Confucius had to see him, which caused Luz's unhappiness. After more than a month, Wei Linggong and his wife were driving in the same car, and Confucius' car was behind the eunuch. Confucius lamented that "I have never seen the good virtue of a good lover" and was deeply ashamed, so he left Weiguo.

Confucius and his party went from Cao to Song, but Sima Huan failed. When he arrived in Zheng, he was separated from his disciples and was ridiculed as "a lost dog." When he arrived in the state of Chen, "when he was three years old, he must strive for self-improvement and take Chen's place." When Confucius left the state of Chen, he was blocked when he passed by. The Pu people threatened Confucius and said, "If you don't defend your country, we will let you go." So Confucius made an oath with the Pu people, but Confucius thought that the oath under coercion was not protected by the gods, so he went to defend his country. This shows that Confucius is flexible.

When he arrived in Weiguo, Wei Linggong was very happy. He greeted him in the suburbs and asked him if he could cut up. Confucius said yes, but Wei Linggong didn't cut it after all. Confucius said, "If you are useful to me, it only takes one month and three years to succeed." However, Wei Linggong never used Confucius, so Confucius had to leave the country.

The Buddha's rebellion was also called Confucius, and Confucius wanted to go again because Lutz stopped him. However, Confucius said, "How can I tie a gourd if I don't eat?" I wanted to see Zhao Jianzi again, but I didn't go because "a gentleman is afraid of hurting his class". I went to Wei again and asked how to deploy. Confucius said that he had only learned "the cowpea thing", not "the army thing", and refused to answer. This does not prove that Confucius really did not understand military affairs. Just because Confucius didn't want to say it at that time. Because he didn't pay attention to Confucius, Confucius went to Chen.

After Wei Linggong's death, Confucius was sixty years old when he became king. Lu Ji was seriously ill and asked Ji Kangzi to take Confucius back after his death. However, Ji Kangzi listened to Gong Yu's words, instead of recalling Confucius, he used Ran Qiu, a disciple of Confucius. The following year, Confucius went to Cai (later Chu). Next year, it's Ye. Shen Zhuliang, the minister of Chu, is in Yecheng, namely Ye Gong. Ye Gong admired Confucius, but he didn't fully understand Confucius.

When Confucius returned to Cai from Yecheng, he met several hermits. Chang Ju, Jie Yu, He Guo and later Chu Jieyu all advised Confucius to be a hermit, but Confucius' active salvation did not waver, indicating that he just wanted to change the chaotic world at that time.

Cai Sannian, Wu defeated Chen, and Chu came to save Chen. I heard that Confucius was between Chen and Cai and sent someone to hire Confucius. Chen and Cai were afraid that Confucius' visit to Chu would endanger them, so they besieged Confucius. Confucius believed that a gentleman must uphold his integrity under any circumstances, so he was still a string singer. It was not until Zigong arrived in Chu that King Zhao of Chu sent troops to meet Confucius.

King Zhao of Chu wanted to give Confucius a 700-mile place, but Chu made Yin Zixi worry that Confucius would be like that, and it would be bad for Chu to dominate the country. So King Chu Zhao didn't do it. It can be seen that people think that Confucius has the heart to be king, so they have always been on guard against him. Confucius' frustration cannot be said to have nothing to do with this. In addition, Confucius once said: "If there is no king of literature, what about literature?" ? Heaven will lose sven, and the latecomers will not be sven; God has not lost his grace, how can people give! "(The Analects of Confucius Zi Han) said," If you are useful to me, what about the Eastern Zhou Dynasty? " ("The Analects of Confucius Yang Huo") Therefore, it is no wonder that Chu Lingyin's son hopes to have this suspicion. I'm afraid Confucius really has the intention of implementing the policy of king and benevolence for political reasons.

At the age of sixty-three, Confucius returned to Wei from Chu. At this time, many disciples of Confucius were officials in Weiguo, and the monarch of Weiguo also had the intention of appointing Confucius. Confucius advocated that politics should start with "correcting the name" and should not give up the principle. But if you want to "clear your name", it will be difficult to keep the throne of the patriotic monarch. It is conceivable that a patriotic monarch would not agree.

In seven years, Lu held a meeting with Wu, and Lu was forced to give Wu a "hundred prisons" gift. Fortunately, he borrowed Zigong to negotiate temporarily, and Lu was not humiliated. The following year, Wu attacked Lu again, and Confucius disciples made contributions. Ji Kangzi therefore thought that Confucius' disciples were really useful materials, so he sent someone to Weiguo to invite You Ran back. Later, You Ran led troops to attack Qi for Ji Kangzi, and Ji Kangzi asked where he learned the art of war. You Ran said that he learned it from Confucius. This shows that Confucius is well versed in military affairs. So Ji Kangzi decided to recall Confucius and use it.

At that time, Confucius asked Confucius about his combat strategy, and Confucius refused. Just as Ji Kangzi greeted Confucius with rich gifts, Confucius returned to Shandong. Confucius was sixty-eight years old.

Nine, old age

After Confucius returned to Shandong, he once talked with him about politics, and Ji Kangzi specifically asked him for advice. Confucius told them all about kingliness and benevolence, but it seems that Confucius himself did not serve as an official in the court. His disciples, You Ran and Lutz, were Ji Kangzi's officials, who assisted in state affairs. However, disciples always ask Confucius for advice on their behavior. For example, when Ji was ready to attack, Confucius gave a profound and severe admonition to Ran. You Ran's tax increase for Ji Kangzi was strongly opposed by Confucius.

After Confucius returned to Shandong, his main job was to teach his disciples and sort out the classics. Especially in sorting out ancient books, the achievements are the most outstanding. The Six Classics has now become the final version. Perhaps it is because the ideal of political society has not really been realized, so Confucius pays more attention to providing a general plan for governing the country in written form for future generations!

Confucius' old age was unfortunate. In the second year of his return to Lu, his only son, Kong Li, died at the age of 50. Two years later, one of his favorite disciples, Yan Hui, also died, which was a great blow to Confucius. The year Yan Hui died, the King of Qi was killed by the doctor. Confucius thought it was a serious violation and asked Lu Aigong to send troops to make a crusade. However, Lu Aigong refused out of scruples about "Three Huan", and Confucius suffered another political setback. Then disciple Luz died again. On April 11th, 12th year of Lu Aigong, Confucius died at the age of 73.