Kongzi, also known as Confucius, was a Chinese philosopher and educator who lived from 551 to 479 BCE. He is best known for his teachings on morality, ethics, and proper social relationships, which laid the foundation for Confucianism. His ideas emphasized the importance of family, respect for elders, and the value of education. Kongzi's thoughts were recorded in a collection called the Analects, which consists of dialogues and sayings attributed to him and his disciples. His influence has shaped Chinese culture and philosophy for centuries, promoting values such as harmony, justice, and personal development in society.