Whose educational philosophy greatly influenced East Asian civilization, advocating for education accessible to all?

The correct answer is Confucius, whose educational philosophy profoundly shaped East Asian civilization by emphasizing the importance of education for everyone, regardless of their social status. He believed that moral development and knowledge acquisition were essential for personal growth and societal harmony. Through his teachings, he advocated for a system of education that would prepare individuals to be virtuous citizens and capable leaders. His ideas stressed the significance of learning and continuous self-improvement, which laid the groundwork for the value placed on education in many East Asian cultures. Confucius's teachings were compiled into the "Analects," which highlights his thoughts on morality, proper conduct, and the role of education in cultivating a just society.

In contrast, while Laozi laid the foundation for Taoism, focusing on natural order and harmony rather than structured education, and Mencius, a follower of Confucius, reinforced some of his ideas but placed more emphasis on human nature rather than a broad educational philosophy. Sun Tzu, known for his military strategy in "The Art of War," did not focus on education in the same context as Confucius did.