(c. 551 - 479 b.c.) an ancient Chinese philosopher and teacher whose philosophy of ethics stressed two virtues: the rules of proper conduct and benevolent love. Confucius taught many other virtues, including loyalty, faithfulness, wisdom, rightness and self-cultivation. These virtues he summed up in his ideal of the true gentleman, or "the princely or superior man. —Creation of Human Ability Glossary (app 10.7.90)