Confucius also known as K’ung Ch’iu, K’ung Tzu, Kung Fu-tzu (sixth–fifth century B.C.), Chinese thinker usually regarded as founder of the Confucian school of thought. His teachings are recorded in the Lun Yü or Analects, a collection of sayings by him and by disciples, and of conversations between him and his disciples. His highest ethical ideal is jen (humanity, goodness), which includes an affective concern for the wellbeing of others, desirable attributes (e.g. filial piety) within familial, social, and political institutions, and other desirable attributes such as yung (courage, bravery). An important part of the ideal is the general observance of li (rites), the traditional norms governing conduct between people related by their different social positions, along with a critical reflection on such norms and a preparedness to adapt them to present circumstances. Human conduct should not be dictated by fixed rules, but should be sensitive to relevant considerations and should accord with yi (rightness, duty). Other important concepts include shu (consideration, reciprocity), which involves not doing to another what one would not have wished done to oneself, and chung (loyalty, commitment), interpreted variously as a commitment to the exercise of shu, to the norms of li, or to one’s duties toward superiors and equals. The ideal of jen is within the reach of all, and one should constantly reflect on one’s character and correct one’s deficiencies. Jen has transformative powers that should ideally be the basis of government; a ruler with jen will care about and provide for the people, who will be attracted to him, and the moral example he sets will inspire people to reform themselves. See also CONFUCIANISM , JEN, LI2. K.-l.S.