Confucius (about 551-479 B.C.), K'ung-fu-tzu, "Grand Master K'ung," was China's first great social critic. Through his 497-versed Analects, ("Conversations") or aphorisms, he captured his war-torn country's philosophy, culture, and life.

"I transmit," he said. "I do not invent."

Confucius was an outstanding student and teacher. He examined the relationships between Nature and man, the power of the universe, The Tao, which expressed itself through respect and the balance of yin and yang.

"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it," observed the sage who believed with the proper models, every person could find goodness and balance.

As a major influence of Chinese civilization, Confucius looked to the past for answers and celebrated the importance of ritual and education as essentials to society. 

Known for his outspokenness, his timeless wisdom radiated brighter after his death and continues to be true today.

He said, "Five things constitute perfect virtue: gravity, magnanimity, earnestness, sincerity, and kindness."

Lead with your heart.