A picture of Confucius, in Myths & Legends of China, 1922, by E.T.C. Werner

Confucius (born 551 BC, died 479 BC) was an important Chinese educator and philosopher. His original name was Kong Qiu or Zhong Ni. As a child, he was eager to learn about everything, and was very interested in rituals. Although he grew up in extreme poverty, it did not stop his curiosity from growing. He was a very dedicated student, especially in his teenage years. Its not known how he received his formal education, but he mastered many subject of the arts. Once he grew up, he worked as a state official who handled farms and cattle. Then he became a teacher.