Confucius and Zuo Qiuming were both great thinkers in the Spring and Autumn Period, and their doctrines had profound impacts on later generations. However, there has been controversy in history about who was older between them. This article will explore this issue based on historical records.

I. Birth and Death Years of Confucius

Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC), also known as Qiu Zhongni, was from Zouyi, State of Lu (today's Qufu, Shandong Province). According to "Records of the Grand Historian: The Life of Confucius," Confucius was born in the 21st year of the reign of King Ling of Zhou (551 BC) and died in the 27th year of the reign of Duke Ai of Lu (479 BC).

II. Birth and Death Years of Zuo Qiuming

Zuo Qiuming (around 502 BC - around 422 BC), surnamed Zuo, was from Bian, State of Lu (today's Sishui, Shandong Province). The historical records about the birth and death years of Zuo Qiuming are not entirely consistent. "Zuo Zhuan" states: "Zuo Qiuming was a gentleman of Lu." While "Records of the Grand Historian: The Life of Confucius" also mentions: "Zuo Qiuming was a gentleman of Lu." Based on this, it can be inferred that Zuo Qiuming may have been born in the 1st year of the reign of King Jing of Zhou (502 BC) and died in the 4th year of the reign of Duke Dao of Lu (422 BC).

III. Comparison of Ages between Confucius and Zuo Qiuming

Based on the above calculations, Confucius was born approximately 98 years earlier than Zuo Qiuming. If we follow the legend that Confucius had his son Kong Li at 36 years old, then Confucius was already a 27-year-old adult when he was born in 551 BC. Meanwhile, Zuo Qiuming was only around 13 years old and not yet an adult when he was born in 502 BC. Therefore, from the perspective of age, Confucius was indeed much older than Zuo Qiuming.

IV. Conclusion

Although there is some controversy regarding the age issue between Confucius and Zuo Qiuming, based on current historical records, Confucius was indeed older than Zuo Qiuming. Both Confucius and Zuo Qiuming were outstanding thinkers in the Spring and Autumn Period, and their doctrines had profound impacts on later generations. We should learn from their excellent qualities and wisdom and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

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