Confucius (551–479 bc) is the Anglicized name of K'ung Ch'iu, the most famous teacher and philosopher in Chinese history. Through the ages, he has been referred to most commonly as K'ung-fu-tzu, or "Master K'ung." His presumed birthday, September 28, is celebrated in Taiwan as "Teacher's Day." Confucius was born in the state of Lu, now the Shantung province of China, probably to a poor, but noble, family. Orphaned at an early age and with few resources, he nonetheless devoted himself to education in the six practical arts (ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and arithmetic), as well as in classical history and poetry. He became the most learned man of his era, attracting thousands of students and a core group of devoted disciples. Renowned for his teachings, he believed that learning should serve the practical ends of public service. He himself served for a time as a government official in the state of Lu. At the age of 73, he died a revered sage.