A teacher, thinker and philosopher, Confucius (c.BC551-479) was born in the Chinese state of Lu (now part of the Shandong province. His lifelong teachings of filial duty, benevolence, morality and sincerity developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism which has deeply influenced Eastern philosophies ever since. William Edward Soothill (1861-1935) travelled to China as a missionary before becoming Professor of Chinese at Oxford University and a leading British sinologist. John Baldock has also studied the world's various religious traditions in some depth. His published books include The Essence of Sufism, The Little Book of Zen Wisdom, The Elements of Christian Symbolism and The Alternative Gospel.