I can only imagine the euphoric delight experienced by the latest female descendents of our esteemed Chinese philosopher Confucius.

A fifth-update on the family tree is being currently carried out which will include women for the first time after 2,500 years. The 77th generation descendant of Confucius agrees they have to “adapt with the times”. Up until then, their existence had been ignored.

It doesn’t sound as if Confucius had a high regard for women, he was quoted as saying:

“Women and people of low birth are very hard to deal with. If you are friendly with them, they get out of hand, and if you keep your distance, they resent it.â€?

The family tree is a mammoth task, regarded as the world’s longest, recording more than 80 generations. The descendants will number about 1.5 million when it is completed and published in 2009.

Here are some of Confucius‘ wise words of wisdom which might help you get through the day, and please feel free to create some of your own own via the comments:

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have.

If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.

The superior man is firm in the right way, and not merely firm.

I think my advice to Confucius would be :”Understand women, make them your friend and enjoy the rewards and wisdom this brings you.”