Fan Zhongyan, courtesy name Xiwen (希文), was a Chinese poet, politician, philosopher, writer, military strategist, and notable scholar-official of the Song dynasty. After serving the central government for several decades, Fan was appointed Prime Minister or Chancellor over the entire Song empire. Fan's philosophical, educational and political contributions continue to be influential to this day, and his writings remain a core component of the Chinese literary canon. His attitude towards official service is encapsulated by his oft-quoted line on the proper attitude of scholar-officials: "They were the first to worry the worries of All-under-Heaven, and the last to enjoy its joys". Fan is one of the most prominent members of the Fan family and is considered one of the most renowned scholars of China, alongside the philosophers Confucius and Mencius.
