About Ran Geng
Born 544 BC. Ran Geng was a philosopher.
Ran Geng (born 544BC), also known by his courtesy name Boniu, was one of the most prominent disciples of Confucius. Confucius considered him his third best disciple, after Yan Hui and Min Sun, in terms of moral conduct.
Life Ran Geng was a native of the State of Lu, and was only seven years younger than Confucius. He was from the same clan as Ran Yong and Ran Qiu, two other prominent disciples of Confucius. When Confucius served as the Minister of Justice of Lu, Ran became the magistrate of Zhongdu. He contracted a vile disease, possibly leprosy, and died young. Confucius lamented his early death with great pain.
Legacy In Confucian temples, Ran Geng's spirit tablet is placed the fourth among the Twelve Wise Ones, on the west.
Ran Geng's offspring held the title of Wujing Boshi (五經博士; Wǔjīng Bóshì).
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ran Geng?
a prominent disciple of Confucius (born 544 BC)
When was Ran Geng born?
Ran Geng was born in 544 BC.
What was Ran Geng's occupation?
Ran Geng was a philosopher.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ran Geng. https://biography.guide/ran-geng/
MLA: "Ran Geng." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ran-geng/.
Chicago: "Ran Geng." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ran-geng/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:20 UTC