Confucius (551-479 BCE) was an ancient government official, teacher and philosopher whose ideals have become fundamental to China and Eastern Asian culture. Confucius is thought to have been born into a family whom, only a few generations prior, held great political standing and wealth, but whose status has greatly diminished since then. When Confucius was only 3, he lost his father. His mother was left in poverty to raise him and his several siblings, which she did until she passed away only 2 decades later. Confucius would spend the rest of his life continuing to overcome challenges such as these as he maneuvered in and out of power, all while spreading the ideals of Confucianism.