Confucius lived in the Kingdom of Lu, part of today's Shandong Province. September 28th is his birthday. 1 he was born over 2,000 years ago, people still remember him on this day.
His childhood was sad. His father 2 when he was only 3 and he had to work to help his mother. But young Confucius didn't 3 studying. He visited many famous teachers and learned music, history, poetry and sports.
Later, he became a teacher and started the 4 private school in Chinese history. At that time, only children from rich families could go to school, but Confucius believed 5 should go to school if they wanted to learn. He had about 3,000 students in his lifetime.
Today, people still follow his 6. He told us that each person has something worthy to learn and teach. “When I am with three people, one of them must be 7 than me in some areas. I choose their good qualities（品质）and follow them. I take their bad qualities and change them in myself.”
He also taught us that thinking is very important in study. “All study but no thinking makes people puzzled（迷惑）. All thinking but no study makes people 8.”
Confucius is not only a great teacher but also a famous 9 with wise thoughts about the world and society. His most important teachings are about kindness and good manners. “A kind person should care for others. Be strict 10 yourself, but be kind to others.” He said.
