Establishing a Teaching Platform and Giving Lectures
Confucius gained increasing recognition in society due to his profound scholarship and moral character. By the age of thirty, he had “established himself” and began accepting disciples to teach. Before and during Confucius’ time, ancient Chinese feudal aristocracy monopolised the right to education. The saying “learning resides in the government” meant that schools were exclusively for the children of nobles, while commoners had no access to education.
To make education accessible to the common people, Confucius sought approval and financial support from the high official Zhong Sun and Duke Zhao of Lu. With their help, he built a raised earthen platform to teach his disciples. Because apricot trees grew beside the platform, it was named the “Apricot Platform” (Xing Tan). Confucius established a private school, accepting anyone who could bring even a modest gift as his student. Over time, the number of his disciples grew steadily, reportedly reaching over 3,000 at its peak, with 72 mastering the “Six Arts”.
Most of his students came from humble backgrounds, such as Yan Lu, Zeng Dian, Zi Lu, Bo Niu, Ran You, and Yan Yuan, who were among his earliest followers. Even nobles like Meng Xizi’s two sons, Meng Yizi and Nangong Jingshu, and Sima Niu of Song came to study rites under him, demonstrating Confucius’ growing reputation as an educator.
The establishment of private schools broke the tradition of “learning residing in the government” and further democratised knowledge and culture. Over four to five decades, Confucius tirelessly pursued learning and teaching, cultivating numerous talented individuals. His curriculum primarily included poetry, history, rites, music, and the Book of Changes. His teaching methods were flexible— sometimes lecturing at the Apricot Platform, other times waiting for students to ask questions. He excelled at personalised instruction, guiding students through inspiration and dialogue.
Occasionally, he took his disciples outside the city, combining outings in nature with lessons, fostering both intellectual and moral growth. Some of his students later entered government service, while others became teachers, many achieving notable accomplishments and renown.
Confucius’ educational legacy not only transformed ancient Chinese learning but also laid the foundation for egalitarian education in later generations.
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