ABSTRACT
Confucianism is arguably the most influential local philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius – a Latinized name literally meaning Master Kung (Kong fuzi 孔夫子) 1 – in the history of China. 2 Whilst this school of thought is named after the master, his teachings were not developed ex nihilo – they were, to a large extent, based on the ancient literature of his days and the exemplary conduct of ancient sagacious rulers, for instance, Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun, King Wen of Zhou, and Duke of Zhou. Therefore, it is documented in The Analects that Confucius considered himself a transmitter rather than an innovator (A 7.1; Lau tr. 1979: 86). 3
