Confucius (551-479 BC) was one of the most influential philosopher's in human history. Often considered China's first teacher, Confucius established a school with the explicit purpose of educating the next generation for political leadership. Attracting a large group of followers, Confucius established a state ideology that was both porous and resilient enough to be passed on through the ages. In a period of volatile and escalating internecine violence, Confucius' doctrines served to create a stable bureaucracy that helped unify China and introduced a philosophy that would move the world.