Confucius is the most famous Chinese in the world. Not even the Cultural Revolution of the Great Chairman Mao was able to take his place, and China has been experiencing a true Confucius renaissance for some time. The wise man, who according to sources was born in 551 BC, is the historical figure who has had the most lasting influence not only on Chinese thought but on the entire East Asian culture. But what is actually historical about Confucius? Who was the man who rose to become a godlike state saint? Who were his parents, who were his companions? What areas of China did he wander through? Which rulers did he serve? What were his moral motives and political goals? How did he proceed as an educator? What clothes did he wear and what food did he eat? Historian Annping Chin pursues these and other questions. With the help of the oldest sources penetrated.