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Today is World Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on October 5th. Established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1994, this day honors teachers and acknowledges their vital contributions to education and the development of society. It is a fitting occasion to pay tribute to one of the greatest educators in human history, Master Confucius. Master Confucius possessed a deep love of learning and a spirit of humility. No matter how much He had already mastered, He never ceased His pursuit of knowledge. In His lifelong quest for wisdom, He sought insight from many sources, traveling to visit Tanzi to learn about governance, consulting the scholar Chang Hong, and studying music under the renowned musician Shixiang. According to tradition, while discussing music with the court musician of the State of Qi, Master Confucius encountered the ancient Shao composition. So profoundly moved was He by its beauty and harmony that for three months, He could not taste food. Great Master Confucius believed that everyone has something valuable to teach, and that true wisdom comes from remaining open-minded and always eager to learn. He held that the path to self-cultivation required humility and constant reflection. As He once said, “When three men are walking together, there must be one who can be my teacher. I shall choose and follow their merits and avoid having their shortcomings.” During the Spring and Autumn period, formal education, especially literacy and ritual knowledge, was largely reserved for the aristocracy and ruling elite. In this context, where access to learning was tightly controlled and denied to commoners, Confucius challenged the status quo. He rejected class and wealth as barriers to education, believing that everyone deserved the opportunity to learn. Around the age of 30, He began establishing informal schools in rural areas, embracing the principle of “teaching without discrimination.” Welcoming students from all walks of life, He opened the door to learning for countless individuals and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and morally rooted society. Master Confucius was widely admired for His wisdom and profound knowledge, earning the respect of several contemporary rulers. Confucius believed that if a leader possesses moral integrity, his governance will be just and harmonious. He proved this during His leadership in the State of Lu. At the age of 51, Confucius took on the role of Acting Prime Minister while officially serving as the Minister of Justice. During His brief tenure of just three months, significant changes unfolded throughout the state.
