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Confucius — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging history passage explores the life and teachings of Confucius, one of Ancient China's most influential philosophers. Students will learn how Confucius’s ideas about duty, morality, and government shaped Chinese society for centuries. The passage examines Confucius’s historical context, the evidence for his teachings through ancient texts like the Analects, and how his philosophy influenced the structure and values of Chinese government. Key academic vocabulary is highlighted throughout, and students are challenged to analyze cause and effect, continuity and change, and the significance of Confucianism in the broader context of world history. This resource is aligned with CA HSS 6.6.7 and CCSS RI.6.1, and includes a Spanish translation, read aloud audio, glossary, multiple choice quiz, writing activities, and graphic organizers to support deep learning.

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"Confucius the scholar" / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who lived from 551 to 479 BCE in the state of Lu, in what is now eastern China. He is considered one of the most important thinkers in ancient China. His ideas, known as Confucianism, have shaped Chinese society, politics, and culture for over two thousand years. Confucius believed that a stable society depended on people acting with respect, responsibility, and kindness toward one another.

Born during a time of great political disorder called the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucius saw that rulers often fought for power and ignored the needs of ordinary people. He believed that society could be improved if everyone, especially leaders, followed a strict code of conduct. This code was based on the virtues of filial piety (respect for parents and ancestors), benevolence (kindness), righteousness (doing what is right), and propriety (proper behavior). According to Confucius, if rulers practiced these values, their example would inspire the whole society to act morally.

Confucius did not leave behind written works himself, but his teachings were collected by his students in a book called the Analects. In one famous passage, Confucius says, “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” This principle, sometimes called the Golden Rule, was central to his philosophy. Archaeological discoveries, such as inscriptions from the period and ancient manuscripts, support the idea that Confucius’s teachings became highly respected over time. The civil service system in China, which tested government officials on their knowledge of Confucian texts, was established centuries later during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), showing the lasting impact of his ideas.

Confucianism also defined social roles and relationships. For example, Confucius taught that each person had a duty to their family and community. The social hierarchy he described placed rulers above subjects, parents above children, and elders above youth, but all were expected to act with mutual respect and responsibility. These teachings influenced daily life, education, and government for centuries. Even as other philosophies like Daoism and Legalism emerged, Confucian values remained a guiding force in Chinese society.

Today, Confucius’s ideas still influence Chinese culture and are studied by people around the world. By promoting duty, morality, and respect, Confucius helped lay the foundation for a unified and ethical society. His teachings show how individual actions and beliefs can shape entire civilizations.

Interesting Fact: Confucius is sometimes called the “First Teacher” in China, and his birthday is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in Taiwan and other places.

Confucius’s teachings on duty and morality connect to larger themes in world history, such as how belief systems influence government and social order.

When did Confucius live?

551–479 BCE206 BCE–220 CE1200–1100 BCE800–700 BCE

Where was Confucius born?

The state of LuThe Han DynastyThe state of QinThe city of Xi'an

Which book collected Confucius's teachings?

The AnalectsThe Dao De JingThe Book of SongsThe Great Learning

Why did Confucius value filial piety?

It built family respectIt created wealthIt led to warIt defeated rivals

How did Confucianism influence government?

Guided civil service examsStarted new dynastiesBuilt the Great WallCreated the Silk Road

What is the Golden Rule in Confucianism?

Treat others as you wishWin at all costsTake what you needAlways follow orders