Chinatown in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Confucius
(551-479 B.C.)
| | The great educator, philsopher and statesman of China | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025
1. Confucius Marker
The text is on the right (east-facing) side of the base of a statue of Confucius.
[English translation below Chinese text:]
Confucius is one of the greatest men in the history of world. More than two thousand five hundred years ago (551-479 B.C.), he was born in the State of Lu (now the Province of Shangtung). Never tired of learning and teaching throughout his life, Confucius has long been recognized in China as "the Greatest Sage and Foremost Teacher with Outstanding Achievements." He believed that in teaching there should be no class distinctions and hence he had up to three thousand disciples. From the Analects, we can see that he tried to help his disciples solve problems arising out of daily life and human relationships. Though commonplace and practical, easily understood and easily carried out, his teachings contributed to the cultivation of the individual, the regulation of the family, the order of the state and the peace of the world. Thus, Confucius, recognized in China as the Greatest exemplar of teachers of all ages, can serve as a Model to Mankind.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Asian Americans • Education.
Location. 41° 51.135′ N, 87° 38.042′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois
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Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chinese American Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Nine Dragon Wall in Chicago's Chinatown (about 800 feet away); Hilliard Towers Apartments (approx. Ό mile away); Dr. Sun Yet-San (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ping Tom Memorial Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ping Tom (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hilliard Apartments (approx. 0.4 miles away); All As One Mural (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Nine Dragon Wall in Chicagos Chinatown (was about 800 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. Chinese text about Confucius is above the English translation on the right (east-facing) side of the statue's base. A plaque on the front of the statue includes Chinese language text; it could not be immediately determined what the text represents. Text etched into the base on the left (west-facing) side appears to list a name of benefactors for this statue.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025
2. Confucius statue
Also see . . . Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Confucius.
Excerpt: "At different times in Chinese history, Confucius (trad. 551479 BCE) has been portrayed as a teacher, advisor, editor, philosopher, reformer, and prophet. The name Confucius, a Latinized combination of the surname Kong 孔 with an honorific suffix 'Master' (fuzi 夫子), has also come to be used as a global metonym for different aspects of traditional East Asian society. This association of Confucius with many of the foundational concepts and cultural practices in East Asia, and his casting as a progenitor of 'Eastern' thought in Early Modern Europe, make him arguably the most significant thinker in East Asian history."(Submitted on February 25, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025
3. Confucius statue
The text outlining the life and impact of Confucius can be seen on the side of the statue's base.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025
4. Confucius statue (west-facing side of base)
The text etched on this left side of the base appears to list the benefactors for this statue.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025
5. Confucius statue, rear of the base
This Chinese text is on the rear of the statue's base.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 25, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A translation of the Chinese text on the front plaque and the sides of the statue base. • Can you help?
