One of the most famous people in ancient China was a wise philosopher named Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC). He sometimes went by the name of Kong Zi though he was born Kong Qiu, styled (命名，称呼) Zhong Ni. He was born in Zouyi (Qufu today) in the state of Lu.

　　Confucius's father died three years after Confucius was born, leaving the family in poverty, but Confucius nevertheless (然而) received a fine education. He got married at the age of 19 and had one son and two daughters. He worked as a keeper of a market. Then he got a farm worker who took care of parks and farm animals. When he was 20, he worked for the governor of his district.

　　Confucius is famous for his philosophy because he made many wise sayings that helped many people learn about the world, nature, and human behaviour. He also helped the government and the ruler by teaching them lessons on how the ruler should rule his kingdom successfully.

　　It is commonly known that ancient China had a great effect on the world. And many great people and great inventions of ancient China still influence the world.