China: Confucius (Kong Zi, K'ung-tzu, K'ung-fu-tzu, 551– 479 BCE), Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period. Portrait by Qiu Ying (1494-1552), 16th century. The philosophy of Confucius emphasises personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. These values gained prominence in China during the Han Dynasty(206 BC – 220 AD). Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism. It was introduced to Europe by the Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci, who was the first to Latinise the name as "Confucius".

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