Who is the greatest teacher in Chinese history? Many people would think of Confucius, whose birthday was on September 28. Although he lived over 2,000 years ago, people still remember and respect（尊敬）him for his contribution(贡献) to the education today.
Confucius lived in the Kingdom(王国) of Lu, which lies in Shandong Province. Helved during the Spring and Autumn Period. He had a hard childhood. His father died when he was only 3. His mother brought him up(养大). As a child, he had to work to help his mother, but young Confucius didn't give up studying. He visited many famous teachers and learned music, history, poetry(诗歌) and sports.
Later, he became a teacher and started the first public school in Chinese history. At that time only children from noble families could go to school, but Confucius believed everyone should be able to go to school if they wanted to learn. He had about 3,000 students in his life.
Today, people still follow Confucius's lessons. He told us that we all have something worthy(值得的)to be learned. "When I am with three people, one of them must be better than me in some ways. I choose their good qualities(品质)and follow them. "
He also taught us that thinking is very important in study. "All study but no thinking makes people puzzled（困惑的). All thinking but no study makes people lazy. "
Confucius is not only a great teacher, but also a famous thinker with wise thoughts about the world.
His most important teachings are about kindness and good manners（礼仪). "A person should be strict with himself, but be kind to others," he said.
① Confucius worked to help his mother as a child.
②Confucius educated about 3,000 students in his life.
③Confucius's father died.
④ Confucius started the first public school in Chinese history.
