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Confucius: The Golden Rule
Used book in good condition, due to its age it could contain normal signs of use
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Russell Freedman
89 books139 followersRussell A. Freedman was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work Lincoln: A Photobiography.
He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.
Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.
He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.
Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 1, 2018
"Don't worry when people fail to recognize your merits.
Worry when you fail to recognize theirs."
***
"If you study the past and use it to understand the present,
then you're worthy to be a teacher."
***
"When you meet a worthy person, seek to become his equal.
When you meet a fool, look within and examine yourself."
***
"An exemplary person should be slow to speak yet quick to act."
***
"Virtuous people are never lonely. They always attract neighbors."
***
"I am fortunate indeed. Whenever I make a mistake, there is always someone to notice it."
***
"When people are educated, distinction between classes are quick to disappear."
***
"Do you want to know what knowledge is? When you know something, recognize that you know it, and when you don't know something, recognize that you don't know it. That's knowledge."
***
"Being a junzi or 'gentleman' is a matter of noble conduct and character, not noble birth. . . . A true junzi is someone who works hard to master the art of government and the rules of virtuous behavior."
***
"Above all, an exemplary person must practice the art of ren, which can be understood as 'a compassionate love for humanity.'"
***
On being asked if any single word could guide a person's life: "Perhaps it is shu." Usually translated as "compassion." Confucius went on: "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself."
***
"A king who behaves like a tyrant is a king no more."
***
"Isn't it a joy to greet friends who come from afar?"
Worry when you fail to recognize theirs."
***
"If you study the past and use it to understand the present,
then you're worthy to be a teacher."
***
"When you meet a worthy person, seek to become his equal.
When you meet a fool, look within and examine yourself."
***
"An exemplary person should be slow to speak yet quick to act."
***
"Virtuous people are never lonely. They always attract neighbors."
***
"I am fortunate indeed. Whenever I make a mistake, there is always someone to notice it."
***
"When people are educated, distinction between classes are quick to disappear."
***
"Do you want to know what knowledge is? When you know something, recognize that you know it, and when you don't know something, recognize that you don't know it. That's knowledge."
***
"Being a junzi or 'gentleman' is a matter of noble conduct and character, not noble birth. . . . A true junzi is someone who works hard to master the art of government and the rules of virtuous behavior."
***
"Above all, an exemplary person must practice the art of ren, which can be understood as 'a compassionate love for humanity.'"
***
On being asked if any single word could guide a person's life: "Perhaps it is shu." Usually translated as "compassion." Confucius went on: "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself."
***
"A king who behaves like a tyrant is a king no more."
***
"Isn't it a joy to greet friends who come from afar?"
August 20, 2019
“If a person doesn’t constantly ask himself, ‘What is the right thing to do?’ I really don’t know what is to be done about him.” -Confucius
Even though this great philosopher lived thousands of years ago, we actually still have much knowledge about his life and his teachings. This was a long, but detailed book for families. The pictures weren’t amazing, but the information of the book made it worth reading. Here is one more quote I appreciated.
“If we don’t call things by their correct names, then words don’t mean a thing. When words don’t match reality, what is said isn’t the same as what is meant. And when what is said isn’t the same as what is meant, we can’t think clearly and nothing can be accomplished. Calling things by their right names makes it possible for us to speak truthfully about them.”
Even though this great philosopher lived thousands of years ago, we actually still have much knowledge about his life and his teachings. This was a long, but detailed book for families. The pictures weren’t amazing, but the information of the book made it worth reading. Here is one more quote I appreciated.
“If we don’t call things by their correct names, then words don’t mean a thing. When words don’t match reality, what is said isn’t the same as what is meant. And when what is said isn’t the same as what is meant, we can’t think clearly and nothing can be accomplished. Calling things by their right names makes it possible for us to speak truthfully about them.”
Read
July 15, 2024What an easy introductory read about Confucius and the Analects! 👌
May 30, 2009
I thought that this book did a good job of presenting an overview of Confucius' life given the fact that he lived 2500 years ago. It combines some history of China with some anecdotes about Confucius. His sayings are interspersed amongst the biography (a book that only consists of his sayings would not be appealing to children).
The illustrations wonderfully combine framed paintings that appear to be ancient with parts of plants (actual ones, not painted) - the combination restores life to old scenes.
The illustrations wonderfully combine framed paintings that appear to be ancient with parts of plants (actual ones, not painted) - the combination restores life to old scenes.
June 14, 2020
I found this so informative and approachable! I’m not a fan of the artwork though. I was hoping for information about the symbolism in the artwork but didn’t see anything. As usual Freedman is very careful to identify what is factual and what is likely myth and legend. His author’s note is fascinating in recounting the annual ceremony celebrating Confucius’ birth on September 28th. He mentioned that two British Eurasian kids were there with the middle name of Chui, indicating they are the 79th generation of descendants of Confucius! Recommended as a starting point of study of the great teacher.
February 17, 2015
I enjoyed this book because there are a lot of facts. It goes into the right amount of depth and is an easy read. It is written in a way that makes recollection of the information in it very easy.
June 5, 2021
This is a lovely slim picture book that outlines a historical figure of such prominence, he is still worshipped and revered years after his death. the book gives us a tale of a simple man's search for truth, his yearning for proper government and his tutorings to all who wished to learn. We get the image of a man who showed respect towards noblemen yet of the firm belief that true government should not be an inherited office but given only to those who of shrewd intellect and genuine desire to help others.
Confucious believed in Heaven but preached a doctrine firmly rooted in earthly needs and desires. He frequently claimed not to know the truth but the way to the truth; however, he was willing to concede when he was wrong. he was physically strong, skilled yet knew at a young age that he wanted to be a scholar.
The
Confucious believed in Heaven but preached a doctrine firmly rooted in earthly needs and desires. He frequently claimed not to know the truth but the way to the truth; however, he was willing to concede when he was wrong. he was physically strong, skilled yet knew at a young age that he wanted to be a scholar.
The
December 12, 2017
"Confucius The Golden Rule" by Russell Freedman is a great book because it is very interesting. "More than 2,500 years have passed since Confucius walked the dusty country roads of China chatting with his disciples, yet his voice still rings clear and true down through the centries. Those who come after handed down."
July 15, 2020
Read this for a class and really appreciate the author’s honesty about how many Confucius ideals are not from him directly and were fabricated by others to suit their own gains. My biggest takeaway is what Confucius says about people: “An exemplary person helps bring out what is beautiful in other people and discourages what is ugly in them. A petty person does just the opposite.”
Read
July 15, 2020Read this for a class and really appreciate the author's honesty about how many Confucius ideals are not from him directly and were fabricated by others to suit their own gains. My biggest takeaway is what Confucius says about exemplary people: "An exemplary person helps bring our what is beautiful in other people and discourages what is ugly in them. A petty person does just the opposite."
September 19, 2025
I knew next to nothing about Confucius. Now I know slightly more, but wow, this was a fantastic introduction to the life of Confucius and portrayed him in such a compelling way, stripping away layers of myth and tradition to reveal the fascinating man. All in an illustrated kids book! Great stuff.
June 8, 2019
Good book, just didn't wow me. Partly because I need younger eyes to see the pictures and typeface clearly. Long enough that the target audience is probably age 9 or 10 up.
December 30, 2019
Lovely illustrations enliven this brief but well annotated biography of Confucius.
November 22, 2021
Confucius for kids!! found this at the little library by Peter's house and reading it made me think about my future child. I'm holding onto this book for them, now.
April 4, 2022
Eye opening. I thought is was going to be about an Eastern Religion. It was about his life his successes and Failures! Art was very good too!
April 20, 2012
Summary
Confucius: The Golden Rule by Russell Freedman is the biography about Kong Qiu or Confucius as he is know in the West. The biography starts off with an introduction about Confucius and what is known to be fact vs what people speculate about. Then begins the look into Confucius' life starting with his mother and father and the good omen that his mother received before having him. At 15 Confucius knew that he wanted to be a scholar and began his learning. As he gained knowledge he realized that China was in a dark place run by a corrupt government and he had radical ideas to change it for the better. He found some young boys and men to study with him and his ideas gained a foothold. They began travelling and gaining momentum for their movement. The corrupt leaders didn't like Confucius trying to change the system and they tried to kill him several times. At 67, when Confucius returned to his home state, Lu, he was met with the death of his son and his best student. After that he received a bad omen and died a few days later. His pupils continued his teaching and even now, monarchs still ask Confucius for guidance in their decision making.
Critique
This book was very well written. It depicted Confucius in a way that is interesting. Ancient Chinese philosophers aren't exactly pleasure reading for most people but the writing style made this book simple and easy to understand. The information seems authentic based on the the amount of resources including Confucius' own memoirs. This book is so easy to read and because there are short concise chapters interspersed with pictures depicting his life, it is appealing to children.
Response
I would love to use this book in my classroom because it portrays Confucius in such a good way. Students will be able to follow along with his life, students and teachings easily. I would use this book in conjunction with a unit on philosophers or a unit on Eastern history because Confucius was very influential in both areas in his time.
Confucius: The Golden Rule by Russell Freedman is the biography about Kong Qiu or Confucius as he is know in the West. The biography starts off with an introduction about Confucius and what is known to be fact vs what people speculate about. Then begins the look into Confucius' life starting with his mother and father and the good omen that his mother received before having him. At 15 Confucius knew that he wanted to be a scholar and began his learning. As he gained knowledge he realized that China was in a dark place run by a corrupt government and he had radical ideas to change it for the better. He found some young boys and men to study with him and his ideas gained a foothold. They began travelling and gaining momentum for their movement. The corrupt leaders didn't like Confucius trying to change the system and they tried to kill him several times. At 67, when Confucius returned to his home state, Lu, he was met with the death of his son and his best student. After that he received a bad omen and died a few days later. His pupils continued his teaching and even now, monarchs still ask Confucius for guidance in their decision making.
Critique
This book was very well written. It depicted Confucius in a way that is interesting. Ancient Chinese philosophers aren't exactly pleasure reading for most people but the writing style made this book simple and easy to understand. The information seems authentic based on the the amount of resources including Confucius' own memoirs. This book is so easy to read and because there are short concise chapters interspersed with pictures depicting his life, it is appealing to children.
Response
I would love to use this book in my classroom because it portrays Confucius in such a good way. Students will be able to follow along with his life, students and teachings easily. I would use this book in conjunction with a unit on philosophers or a unit on Eastern history because Confucius was very influential in both areas in his time.
December 2, 2013
I feel that this book would be better suited in classrooms aged 10 and up. This book is about Confucius, the Chinese philosopher that lived over 2500 years ago. The book begins introducing who Confucius is, then tells the legend of his life. The book attempts to be as historically accurate as possible, and mentions when it covers parts of his life and legend that are more legend than fact. It tells of his life, how at 15 he knew he wanted to be a scholar, and how he became fed up with the government of China at the time, spending his life searching for a worthy noble who would work with him to better the land (a search that never bore fruit). Confucius died at age 67, with many students and a reputation as a thinker. Now, 2500 years later, people still remember his sayings. His thoughts directly influenced many revolutionaries, including Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence. Modern monarchs and political leaders still use his teachings for guidance and his name to lend credence to their cause.
This book’s design was less than great. The pictures are not all that interesting, as most of them did not explicitly complement the body of the text well. This is because they were related to random sayings of Confucius that only sometimes related to the section of book they were placed in. I was also really confused by the random fruits that were drawn over the original framed paintings. Were the fruit relating to the theme somehow? Were the illustrations from back then, or made in other eras? This sort of questions that came up throughout the book distracted from its effectiveness, therefore I have to say that the organization of the book was subpar. The style was fairly poor throughout. By mentioning how the author traveled to Confucius’ hometown, his enthusiasm showed. But, the text heavy aspect of this book, and the confusing illustrations, hardly inspired any wonder in me. I also have a hard time imagining how I would use this book in my class, outside of a research project.
This book’s design was less than great. The pictures are not all that interesting, as most of them did not explicitly complement the body of the text well. This is because they were related to random sayings of Confucius that only sometimes related to the section of book they were placed in. I was also really confused by the random fruits that were drawn over the original framed paintings. Were the fruit relating to the theme somehow? Were the illustrations from back then, or made in other eras? This sort of questions that came up throughout the book distracted from its effectiveness, therefore I have to say that the organization of the book was subpar. The style was fairly poor throughout. By mentioning how the author traveled to Confucius’ hometown, his enthusiasm showed. But, the text heavy aspect of this book, and the confusing illustrations, hardly inspired any wonder in me. I also have a hard time imagining how I would use this book in my class, outside of a research project.
April 10, 2015
CONFUCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE written by Russell Freedman is the biographical picture book about Kong Qiu or Confucius. The biography start telling that he lived with his mother and father and it is explain the good omen that his mother received before having him. When he was 15 Confucius knew that he wanted to be a scholar and began his learning. As he gained knowledge he realized that China was in a dark place full of corruption in the government and he had radical ideas to change it for the better. He found some young boys and men to study with him and they continue with his ideas. And of course, he had his own Golden Rule: “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself".
In my opinion is an interesting book, reading this you can learn more than just Confucius live, there is a lot of information about China too. Students can understand better the China culture.
Then we have “The Golden Rule”, it is a wonderful rule. I think that it is one of the bases of respect, it is what we learn since we are kids, and it is the first thing that we need to understand to have a good social live. It is easy to do project with this rule, so I can imagine using this book in my class with students of 11 years old and above.
Finishing I have to talk about the illustrations. I love the artistic style of the whole book. I like the type of fount that it is used for the titles and the white color with these pieces of colorful paper looks great.
In my opinion is an interesting book, reading this you can learn more than just Confucius live, there is a lot of information about China too. Students can understand better the China culture.
Then we have “The Golden Rule”, it is a wonderful rule. I think that it is one of the bases of respect, it is what we learn since we are kids, and it is the first thing that we need to understand to have a good social live. It is easy to do project with this rule, so I can imagine using this book in my class with students of 11 years old and above.
Finishing I have to talk about the illustrations. I love the artistic style of the whole book. I like the type of fount that it is used for the titles and the white color with these pieces of colorful paper looks great.
December 30, 2016
The late American writer Russell Freedman’s 2002 biography of Confucius is an excellent introduction to the life and teaching of Confucius. Freedman’s Confucius: The Golden Rule was written for young adults, but readers of any age can enjoy and learn from this book. The 2002’s edition of Confucius published by the Scholastic Press has illustrations by Frederic Clement to add atmosphere to Freedman’s text. The book has a beautiful layout. When Freedman was researching his biography of Confucius, he traveled to Confucius’s town of birth Qufu in Shandong Province for the annual birthday celebration of Confucius which is celebrated on September 28. Freedman took along a friend who spoke Mandarin Chinese. Freedman writes in Confucius that “hundreds of marchers, dancers, and musicians paraded through the temple grounds and around a lacquer-red shrine as a resplendently attired speaker stood beneath the Gate of Esteeming the Lofty and read selections from the Analects-the sayings of Confucius” (Freedman 42). Freedman used translations of the Analects by Patrick Wing-kin Chan, Ivan Chi-lap Ng, Evans Chen, Simon Leys, Roger T. Ames, Henry T. Rosemount, Jr., David Hinton, D.C. Lau, and Arthur Waley to write his book on Confucius (Freedman 45, 47). I believe that Freedman’s Confucius is a well-done introduction to the life of Confucius.
December 8, 2015
This children’s book tells the story of Confucius and his teachings. Although it is rather wordy, it is definitely an amazing read for a children’s classroom. It teaches the value of compassion and kindness towards others. This book informs readers that Confucius never wrote about his teachings but instead had disciples who did. He also wasn’t a religious person but after he passed away he was seen as a religion. His passion for learning rubbed off on others. I actually really enjoyed reading this book because of all the inspiring quotes of Confucius within it. One of my favorite parts was when Confucius was asked by one of his disciples what single word he would chose if he had to use one that could guide a person’s life and he said “shu”, which means “compassion”, “open-heartedness”, or “caring for others”. I think this is definitely a great way to live because it keeps you from being negative. I also really liked the part where he said “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.” It’s a great book for the classroom not only because it teaches the lesson of being kind to others, but it also incorporates culture and great vocabulary.
April 27, 2015
Freedman, R., & Ment, F. (2002). Confucius: The golden rule. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books.
Russell Freedman traveled to China to visit where Confucius was born and interviewed his descendants and the teachings of the sage that was written down. With Russell actually visiting his home town and talking to people that follow him you get the most out of this then just facts. You get real stories and what they believe. Confucius shared his wisdom about five centuries before Jesus taught his golden rule. Our government ideals owe it to Confucius as some things came from his ideas from thousands of years ago. This book has a large photo on every page and words along with it on the side. The in covers have quotes that have come from Confucius and one of my favorites is “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself”. Many people have heard the saying of starting a remark with “Confucius say”. This would fit into a curriculum when talking about different cultures and people that have made an impact on their beliefs.
Russell Freedman traveled to China to visit where Confucius was born and interviewed his descendants and the teachings of the sage that was written down. With Russell actually visiting his home town and talking to people that follow him you get the most out of this then just facts. You get real stories and what they believe. Confucius shared his wisdom about five centuries before Jesus taught his golden rule. Our government ideals owe it to Confucius as some things came from his ideas from thousands of years ago. This book has a large photo on every page and words along with it on the side. The in covers have quotes that have come from Confucius and one of my favorites is “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself”. Many people have heard the saying of starting a remark with “Confucius say”. This would fit into a curriculum when talking about different cultures and people that have made an impact on their beliefs.
April 12, 2010
It's kind of long with pictures that aren't all that interesting. I like all the sayings and the fact that the author actually visited Confucius's home town, but the book was a bit boring. I'm not sure what age group would pick this up for anything other than a research report, but I'm not sure how useful this book would be for that. I was especially confused by the random fruits and flowers overlaid on the illustrations. Were they part of the Chinese tradition of Confucianism or just an added flair by the illustrator? Either way, they were kind of weird and had no explanation. The author does list his sources, but they probably aren't useful for the age group that would try to use this for a research project. I sorta enjoyed it, but I sorta didn't too.
May 28, 2011
Interesting look at the life of Confucius. I realized how little I really knew about him as I read this book.
"Tradition tells us that Confucius was a large man possessed of great physical strength. He has been described a a homely giant with warts on his nose, two long front teeth that protruded over his lower lip, and a wispy beard. What people remembered most, however, wasn't his odd appearance but his undeniable charm."
The art is sophisticated and I liked the addition of real life fruit, vegetables,flowers, ribbons and similar items that seem to be placed on top of the somewhat muted but sophisticated art.
Excellent source notes and additional reading suggestions in back.
This picture book is more appropriate those with substantial reading skills.
"Tradition tells us that Confucius was a large man possessed of great physical strength. He has been described a a homely giant with warts on his nose, two long front teeth that protruded over his lower lip, and a wispy beard. What people remembered most, however, wasn't his odd appearance but his undeniable charm."
The art is sophisticated and I liked the addition of real life fruit, vegetables,flowers, ribbons and similar items that seem to be placed on top of the somewhat muted but sophisticated art.
Excellent source notes and additional reading suggestions in back.
This picture book is more appropriate those with substantial reading skills.
November 5, 2011
"Confucius: The Golden Rule" is a memior book. The age group for this book would be primary to intermediate. The book tells all about Confucius and all about their life. What they did so special and how it effected other people. I know alot of people that are effected everyday by Conducius and reading this book made me understand why.
I reviewed this book at 4 stars. I personal think that the author could have made the book more interesting. This book was very well written but it could have been more intreging. I could not wait for this book to come to the last page. It dragged on alot from the beginning. This is not going to be on my bookshelf in a classroom setting.
I reviewed this book at 4 stars. I personal think that the author could have made the book more interesting. This book was very well written but it could have been more intreging. I could not wait for this book to come to the last page. It dragged on alot from the beginning. This is not going to be on my bookshelf in a classroom setting.
May 3, 2008
This is a great book about who Confucius really was - so often we're told he is the sage that teaches religious virtues, and so he did, but predominantly, he taught people how to be good statesmen, how government should work, and petitioned for years for the opportunity to implement his ideas of good government. He encouraged people to act like gentlemen (or ladies), that it was something that you are based on your actions, not your nobility of birth, but your nobility of character. I enjoyed it!
January 10, 2012
The illustrations in this book are worthy of deep meditation. Freedman's text is clear, elegant, wide-ranging, and poignant. Freedman's Confucius is made a living, breathing man of great compassion and profound purpose. I didn't hold out much for this book, when I picked it up on a whim at a local bookstore 20% off table. Yet I discovered it to be a most charming book that was highly informative, and written in a style that is its own deep reward.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
May 13, 2008
I wish I had known about this author when I was helping my kids with school work. His books are well done and informative. There are quite a few of them as well and they give good information on important topics of interest. For my book club we were told to read ANY book by Russell Freedman. You can too...
January 27, 2009
Fascinating telling of Confucius that gives him dignity and reveals how progressive he was, more than 2500 ago. His influence, still seen today, is inspiring. And yet, to him, he was a failure as his dream was to be active in government. He was ahead of his time. I will never make another "Confucius say ..." joke.
August 11, 2009
This biography of Confucius is a great one for upper elementary, middle, and even high school kids who need a short biography for a book report. This one isn’t long, but it has a lot of information, a lot of quotes, and a lot of speculation about what we know and think we know about Confucius. Russell Freedman is known for his outstanding biographies, and this one is no acceptation.
November 13, 2015
Confucius may have been alive more than 2,500 years ago but his teachings are just as relevant. Russell Freedman's lengthy picture book biography is a wonderful read for all ages describing this revolutionary philosopher who never gave up trying to spread an enlightened way of thinking and government.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews