I sometimes get a phrase or idea in my head that curiosity runs rampant with until I can learn the source. Recently, the phrase “No matter where you go, there you are” grabbed my imagination. Scholars believe Confucius authored the saying. Some with a shorter view of history might attribute the quote to Buckaroo Banzai, a character from a 1984 cult classic sci-fi comedy, but Confucius went there first. Other sayings attributed to him are:
“What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”
“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
“Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance.”
Read more sayings <Here>
So who was this man? The man we in the west know as Confucius, was born in 551 BCE as Kong Qui in the Chinese province of Lu. His father, a military figure, died when Confucius was but 3 years old. His family was what we might call today “middle class”. Kong Qui’s mother struggled in near poverty to raise her son. When he was 23 years old his mother passed away. As was the tradition, he then entered a three-year mourning period. Scholars believe this period of reflection helped him to develop his philosophy founded on virtuous actions. By age 30, others regarded him as a learned teacher. At 40 years, he began a phase of public service, and the king appointed him Minister of Justice. The ruling families at the time valued his advice and judgement. The Chou Empire, after ruling for 500 years, was declining. However, people believe that the moral principles Confucius established helped sustain the ruling dynasties for years to come. By the time he was 56, he had become disenchanted with his political life, and he spent the next 12 years wandering. Following this period, he spent the last part of his life writing and teaching his disciples. After he died, the system called “Confucianism” became the official imperial philosophy and strongly influenced the subsequent dynasties.
I’ve read that this great thinker viewed himself not-so-much as the author of his ideas, but as a conduit. This is a concept I am very comfortable with. Other powerful minds I have encountered have expressed a similar view. There is nothing new in the universe, we need only open our eyes to uncover its secrets. Great teachers have come to humanity at different times and places that have opened our eyes, elevating the morality of humans. Civilizations flourished in their wake. After their passing, people have deified some of these men, establishing religious institutions in their names. I believe that if these great men were to return and see what others have claimed in their name, they would be most displeased. This unfortunate development will not diminish my respect for these influential teachers. Nor will it detract from the wisdom they have helped me see. I intend to keep my BS Detector handy.
