Confucius (Kong Fu Zi), a humble man from poor beginnings, became so influential that his teachings inspired a philosophy, a religion, and a way of life that has lasted until today. From his basic "sayings" in The Analects, or discussions, there developed a philosophy, a social system and a political system which was based on harmony, tolerance, and merit.

Confucianism is a way of life taught by Confucius in the 6th-5th century BC. Sometimes viewed as a philosophy, sometimes as a religion, Confucianism is perhaps best understood as an all-encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights Heaven. Confucianism has been followed by the Chinese for more than two millennia. (This site helped me with some of my Inquiry questions)