Confucius was an extraordinary man, philosopher and teacher. His propositions on the value of virtue for virtue's sake, that it is better to be good than bad, transcends all religion and optimistically projects on the essential character of mankind. His concept of greatness depending not on station in life or the command of power but upon the possession of moral principles and the courage to live by them is the very definition of a superior person - one worthy of respect.

One can only wonder what kind of world we would have if his concepts - or those of any of the other great teachers - were really applied by all of us in our everyday lives. The very concepts of good and bad, adopting one course over the other, are at the focus of a worthwhile life in the philosophy of Confucius. It is no wonder that his teachings have survived for so many centuries, and will undoubtedly continue for many more: they are universal in concept and application.

The Teachings of Confucius, the appeal to the better nature of humanity, are like the fragrance of jasmine, which will prevail even against the wind. Or so we may hope.