Throughout the time span that man has lived on earth, there have been many religions in existence. Two very important and influencing religions that have been around for over two thousand years are Confucianism and Buddhism. The founders of these two religions, Confucius and Buddha, respectively, lived different lives and had different thoughts. Although this made two totally different religions, they both had one common goal. That common goal was to assist the human population and improve their lifestyle.
             Confucius was a sage in China and also it's greatest philosopher. He was one of the most prominent figures and is respected throughout all of China. He was born at Tsou, in the state of Lu, known today as the Shandong province, in the year 551 B.C. He was named Ch'iu, meaning 'hill', because he had a very large bump on his head. This name has rarely been used because of the Chinese way of showing "reverence by avoidance". (Encyclopedia Americana, v. 7; 540) K'ung Futzu was what was used. The name got Latinized and it became Confucius.
             Ever since Confucius' birth, he was a great student. All throughout his childhood Confucius liked to play religious and cultural roles. By the age of 15, Confucius began to take his studies very seriously. He was a diligent and studious learner and put forth his whole effort on his studies. Nothing is known about his educators or his education.
             Confucius started work at an early age, due to the fact that his father died. By the age of seventeen, Confucius received a job in the public service. Most likely this job was being a keeper of fields and cattle, a town governor, or a court arbiter of ritual. Confucius, because he loved to learn and he loved his studies so much, became a very educated man and in turn was highly respected.
             In 529 B.C. Confucius' mother died and observed the standard withdrawal from life of three years. This included the wit...