Died 452 BC | ||
Books Zuo zhuan, The Chronicle of Zuo (Chunqiu Zuo Zhuan) Similar Sima Qian, Ban Gu, Liu Xiang, Lü Buwei, Fan Ye | ||
Zuo Qiuming (Chinese: 左丘明; pinyin: Zuǒ Qiūmíng; Wade–Giles: Tso Ch'iu-ming, 556 BCE-451 BCE) was a Chinese writer and contemporary of Confucius who lived in the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. It is uncertain whether his surname is Zuo or Zuoqiu, therefore the name may be written as Zuo Qiuming or Zuoqiu Ming. The influential historical text Zuo Zhuan (Commentary of Zuo) is traditionally attributed to him. He is also possibly a contributor to Guoyu. One tradition, according to the Records of the Grand Historian, holds that he was blind (cf. Homer).
Zuo is quoted in the Analects to be a paragon of the conduct of Confucius:
子曰：「巧言、令色、足恭，左丘明恥之，丘亦恥之。匿怨而友其人，左丘明恥之，丘亦恥之.
The Master said, "Fine words, an insinuating appearance, and excessive respect - Zuo Qiuming was ashamed of them. I also am ashamed of them.
To conceal resentment against a person, and appear friendly with him - Zuo Qiuming was ashamed of such conduct. I also am ashamed of it. - Translation by James Legge