Confucius was a Chinese teacher, political figure and philosopher during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.   He developed a philosophy known as Confucianism.  This emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correct social relationships, justice and sincerity.

So successful was this tradition that it has copy cat schools of thought through the modern age.  Although he is said to have authored many Chinese classical texts, very little is actually known as to his original writings.  The Analects  were collected years after his death.

Confucius’s principles are centered on the family.  He championed family loyalty, ancestor veneration, respect of elders and the family use as the basis of the ideal government.  He is also credited with developing the Golden Rule that we should each do unto others according to how we want treated.

 The Sayings or Analects of Confucius may be read at:

http://www.bartleby.com/44/1/1.html

Alternatively, this may be heard in an audiobook format here: