Brisbane’s South Bank is one of the most varied cultural spaces in Queensland, but along with the beach, the Wheel and the museums it offers one relatively small statue of particular significance to relations between Australia and China. In 2009 the people of China presented a 2.7 metre bronze statue of the fifth century Chinese scholar Confucius, or Qiu Zhong Ni. Confucius, whose thinking emphasised personal and governmental morality and rectitude in social interaction, verbalised one of the earliest versions of the Golden Rule: “Do not do unto other people what you would not wish to be done to you.” The statue’s purpose is to foster a greater degree of mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Australia.
Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, was born in Lu–modern Shantung. He was a self educated man, married at the age of 19 and was a teacher early in his career. Later in his career he became minister of justice. Because his ideas of social reform were popular with the people, many praised and honored him; however, be developed many enemies and had to leave Lu. During his travels, many followed him and became known as his disciples. Years later he edited the ancient writings and after his death the Confucian Anaects were created and within them are his doings and sayings. His teachings basically focused on filial piety and respect for one another. His thoughts and teachings later inspired many followers. Cunfucianism became the religion of China but later he was thought of as an exploiter of the masses during the Cultural Revolution—(1955-76). Today some think that there are over 6 million Confucians. 
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and educator who lived from 551-479 B.C. He promoted political peace and orderliness and his teachings stressed the importance of perfecting oneself through learning. Confucius publicly expressed his thoughts on the power of virtuous social interaction to encourage political calm. He also shared his beliefs on learning as a means of personal development. Confucius developed a following and influenced the lives of many. 