Final Thoughts: Why Confucius Still Slays
So, we’ve reached the end of the road with Confucius. We’ve seen him as a struggling kid, a popular teacher, a high-ranking minister, and a “stray dog” wandering across China looking for a job.
Confucius a throneless king
The Confucian Legacy
Confucius died thinking he was a total “L.” He’d spent 14 years in exile, never got a real government gig, and lost his favorite students. But, as we now know, he was actually the GOAT of Chinese history.
The Final Years
Confucius finally made it back home to Lu in 484 BC. He was 69—a massive age for that time—and he’d been on the road for 14 years. You’d think the hometown crowd would throw a parade and give him his old job back, but things didn’t quite go like that.
The Wandering Years
Imagine quitting your high-paying government job at 54 and spending the next 14 years on a massive road trip because your boss was a flake. That’s basically what Confucius did. From 496 to 484 BC, he and his crew were basically “stateless” and “lordless”—which back then was super dangerous. No boss meant no protection.
The Followers
When Confucius left Lu at 54 to wander around China looking for work, he didn’t go alone. He had a squad. These guys gave up their jobs and families to follow their teacher into a super uncertain future.
Return to Lu
When Confucius got back to his home state of Lu around 515 BC, the vibes were… not great. The Duke was still in exile, and three powerful families (the Jisun, Mengsun, and Shusun) were basically running a shadow government.
Early Career and Teachings
Imagine being a genius but having to work in a grain warehouse. That was Confucius in his 20s. He started out as a low-level civil servant, making sure the rice and millet didn’t get moldy. Later, he got promoted to managing herds of sheep and oxen. He wasn’t too proud for the “lowly skills”—he just made sure the animals were fat and healthy and moved on.
Early Life and Family
Every superhero has an origin story, and Confucius is no different. But his isn’t about radioactive spiders—it’s about a 70-year-old retired soldier and a teenage girl.
China in Chaos
To understand Confucius, you have to understand that “China” wasn’t even a thing yet. It was more like a patchwork of states constantly beefing with each other over territory and power.
The Bitter Gourd
Picture this: It’s 2,500 years ago. You’re in your late fifties, stranded in the woods, and you haven’t eaten in a week. Your students are starting to lose it, and you’re wondering if your life’s work was all for nothing.
China's Great Sage
Who exactly was Confucius? If you’re thinking “just some old guy with a beard,” you’re missing the point. He was the most influential person in Chinese history, period.
The Impossible Biography
So, here’s the thing: trying to write a biography of Confucius is a total nightmare. When Meher McArthur started this book, a scholar straight-up told her it was impossible. And honestly? They weren’t wrong.
Confucius: The OG Influencer Who Didn't Even Have a Throne
So, we’re talking about Confucius. You’ve probably heard the name, maybe seen some “Confucius says” memes that are honestly kind of cringe. But here’s the thing: this guy was basically the original influencer, and he did it all without a smartphone or a single follower on social media.