Zengzi, born Zeng Shen and also known by the courtesy name Ziyu, was an influential Chinese philosopher who lived from 505 to 435 BC. As a direct disciple of Confucius, he played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Confucian thought during the classical period of Chinese philosophy.\n\nZengzi's legacy is defined by his position in the transmission of orthodox Confucian traditions. He taught Zisi, the grandson of Confucius, who subsequently taught Mencius, establishing a vital intellectual lineage. Because of his immense contributions to the philosophy, Zengzi is revered as one of the Four Sages of Confucianism.