Confucius

Confucius was born in the Chinese state of Lu in 551 B.C. His parents were of noble background. He received a traditional education in etiquette, or how a person behaves in formal settings, and music. His father died when he was very young, and as a result he was raised by his mother. His primary ambition was to play an important role in public affairs, or serve as a trusted adviser to a ruler. Confucius married when he was 18 years old and worked his way up to become only a minor administrator. However, he would soon become dissolutioned and quit in 497 B.C. In his middle years, he traveled extensively in search of a ruler who would follow his guidance.