Origins & Early Life

Zuo Qiuming, Zuoqiu Ming or Qiu Ming (556 – 451 BCE or 502 – 422 BCE) was a Chinese historian who was a contemporary of Confucius. He lived in the Lu state during the Spring and Autumn period. He was a historian, litterateur, thinker and essayist who worked as a Lu official. The influential historical narrative Zuo Zhuan ("Commentary of Zuo") is traditionally attributed to him; as well as Guoyu ("Discourses of the States").

Pivotal Works & Achievements

One tradition, according to the Records of the Grand Historian, holds that he was blind. In the Analects, Confucius complimented Zuo Qiu Ming's moral stance and conduct; he also received praise for his academic contributions. The basic philosophical outlook of Zuo Zhuan, attributed to Zuo Qiu Ming, is strongly Confucian in nature. The Zuo Zhuan's overarching theme is that haughty, evil, and stupid people generally bring disaster upon themselves, while those who are good, wise, and humble are usually justly rewarded. The Confucian principle of "ritual propriety" or "ceremony" (lǐ 禮) is seen as governing all actions, including war, and to bring bad consequences if transgressed.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, the observance of li is never shown as guaranteeing victory, and...

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• -556 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -556
• -451 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -451