In the history of Chinese education, Confucius symbolizes the universal example of a teacher who "teaches without prejudice, and teaches according to ability". He taught more than 3,000 students in the Six Arts, and he never refused to teach anyone, regardless of class or character, if they were sincere in their desire to learn. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucius was a force for good, traveling around the world to correct society and advising kings to do what is right; in his later years, he compiled ancient documents and laid the cornerstone of Chinese culture that will not be easy to find for generations to come. The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China ordered the whole country to celebrate the birthday of Confucius on August 2nd.