Confusius (kon-fu'-se-us). The Latinized name of Koung-Fou-Tseu, a celebrated Chinese philosopher, supposed to have been born in the year 551 B.C. From his youth, he devoted his hours to the study of philosophy. A mandarin when but 17 years of age, he resigned his office on the death of his mother, according to custom, and withdrew to solitude, giving himself up to profound meditation. Confucius afterwards established a school, and had many disciples. As first minister of the King of Lu, Confucius effected important reforms, but through the intrigues of his enemies, he was sent into exile. He wrote several very important works. Died in 478 B.C.

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