In my old neighborhood in the East Bronx, there was no shortage of religions. The main religions were Catholic and Jewish with some Protestants as a minority. Somehow, I thought that these percentages held throughout the whole USA. They did not!

The first time I heard of Confucius was in the old Charlie Chan movies with Sidney Toler. Why they didn't have a Chinese person playing Charlie Chan movies, I will never know. Many times when solving a crime Charlie Chan would utter these words, "Confucius say ..." Who this Confucius was, was a deep puzzle to a boy from the East Bronx ... me!

Recently, I signed up at SUNY Old Westbury for a course in "Literatures of Asia and the Middle East," with Dr. Narayan Hegde, Professor, Department of English.

Confucius was our first subject.

Confucius lived about 551 B.C. to 479 B.C.

Confucius had many disciples and many of his ideas were carried forth by these students, who quoted him. His works started the curriculum for Chinese education. He was apparently a private person, who spent his life tutoring sons of the ruling class. He always complained of lack of official recognition. "To remain unsoured when not recognized is good. Remain a gentleman."

Love of learning was very important. One attains goodness by studying the ancient wisdom. To learn and be able to repeat is a virtue. The way to wisdom is through study. Goodness should prevail.

His ideas were integrated into Chinese society and lasted for centuries. He stood for the status quo and traditions of the past. The Communist Revolution of 1949 disregarded his ideas. Confucianism is the exact opposite of Maoism.

Governing by rituals and tradition were Confucian ideals.

Most revolutions try to discard the "old ways."

"Confucius say..." was found on many fortune cookies and they were a code of living at Chinese restaurants.

Other Confucianisms:

- Let there be no evil in your thoughts.

- Compete only as a gentleman.

- Venerate your parents.

- Think two times before acting.

- It is bad to think only of wealth and rank.

- Put aside personal desires and serve society and the state.

If Confucius were alive today, he would be a conservative.

He would stand for: saluting the flag; reading the Bible in public schools; studying the past (history).

China today is in a turmoil between Communism and the ideas and values of the past.

Confucian ideas are 2,500 years old and still valid.

A great man and a great moral teacher.