Confucius: Words of Wisdom

• Documentary

Episode overview

In an age of intrigue and vice, he was a voice of morality and virtue. Twenty-five hundred years after his death, he is revered as one of the greatest teachers in history, even credited as galvanizing East Asia's current "economic miracle." Confucius's name is synonymous with ageless wisdom. Biography journeys back into China's troubled feudal era to uncover his dramatic story, from his childhood poverty and long road to enlightenment to his years as a celebrated teacher. Leading scholars reveal why his message of "five virtues" was not always accepted by the period's leaders and interviews with a direct descendant provide a personal glimpse into Confucius's legend. Confucius: Words of Wisdom explores the life and legacy of the ancient sage whose timeless message remains deeply influential to this day.

60 minutes