The superior man bends his attention to what is radical. That being established, all practical courses naturally grow up. Filial piety and fraternal submission,-are they not the root of all benevolent actions? To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons. If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if, in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere:-although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has. Without an acquaintance with the rules of Propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established. Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know men.
Bruce and Taeko Brooks have returned this wide-ranging text to its full historical and intellectual setting, organizing the sayings in their original chronological sequence, and permitting the Analects to be read for maximum understanding, not as a closed system of thought but as a richly revealing record of the interaction of life and thought as it evolved over almost the entire Warring States period.".
To quietly persevere in storing up what is learned, to continue studying without respite, to instruct others without growing weary--is this not me?" --Confucius Confucius is recognized as China's first and greatest teacher, and his ideas have been the fertile soil in which the Chinese cultural tradition has flourished. Now, here is a translation of the recorded thoughts and deeds that best remember Confucius--informed for the first time by the manuscript version found at Dingzhou in 1973, a partial text dating to 55 BCE and only made available to the scholarly world in 1997. The earliest Analects yet discovered, this work provides us with a new perspective on the central canonical text that has defined Chinese culture--and clearly illuminates the spirit and values of Confucius. Confucius (551-479 BCE) was born in the ancient state of Lu into an era of unrelenting, escalating violence as seven of the strongest states in the proto-Chinese world warred for supremacy. The landscape was not only fierce politically but also intellectually. Although Confucius enjoyed great popularity as a teacher, and many of his students found their way into political office, he personally had little influence in Lu. And so he began to travel from state to state as an itinerant philosopher to persuade political leaders that his teachings were a formula for social and political success. Eventually, his philosophies came to dictate the standard of behavior for all of society--including the emperor himself. Based on the latest research and complete with both Chinese and English texts, this revealing translation serves both as an excellent introduction to Confucian thought and as an authoritative addition to sophisticated debate.
Compiled by disciples of Confucius in the centuries following his death in 479 B.C.E., The Analects of Confucius is a collection of aphorisms and historical anecdotes embodying the basic values of the Confucian tradition: learning, morality, ritual decorum, and filial piety. Reflecting the model eras of Chinese antiquity, the Analects offers valuable insights into successful governance and the ideal organization of society. Filled with humor and sarcasm, it reads like a casual conversation between teacher and student, emphasizing the role of the individual in the attainment of knowledge and the value of using historical events and people to illuminate moral and political concepts. Confucius's teachings focus on cultural and peaceful pursuits and the characteristics of benevolent and culturally distinguished government. He also discusses ancestor worship and other rites performed for the spirits of the dead. The single most influential philosophical work in all of Chinese history, The Analects of Confucius has shaped the thought and customs of China and neighboring countries for centuries. Burton Watson's concise translation uses the pinyin romanization system and keeps explanatory notes to a minimum, yet his intimate knowledge of the Confucian tradition and precise attention to linguistic detail capture the original text's elegance, cogency, and wit.
A classic compendium of spiritual wisdom from ancient China’s greatest philosopher. The Analects present the detailed code of morality, behavior, and belief espoused by Confucius. Stressing virtue, integrity, and respect within families and communities, Confucius explains how certain principles of living can apply to all aspects of society from education to political systems. One of the most influential books in world history and a foundational text in the study of ethics, sociology, and philosophy, The Analects elucidates a path for an honorable and rewarding life. More than two millennia after it was written, this collection of wisdom from ancient China’s best-known thinker is still admired and studied today.
First published in 1938. Previous translations of the Analects of Confucius are based upon a medieval interpretation which reflects the philosophy of the 12th century A.D rather than of the 5th century B.C., when Confucius lived. This book detaches the Analects from the Scholastic interpretation and lets these famous sayings speak for themselves.
A deluxe paperback edition: Thomas Cleary's brilliant translation of the sayings of Confucius presented in the order of the 64 classic I Ching hexagrams.
The Analects, literally "Selected Sayings" also known as the Analects of Confucius, is an ancient Chinese book composed of collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries, traditionally believed to have been compiled and written by Confucius's followers. It is believed to have been written during the Warring States period (475-221 BC), and it achieved its final form during the mid-Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). By the early Han dynasty the Analects was considered merely a "commentary" on the Five Classics, but the status of the Analects grew to be one of the central texts of Confucianism by the end of that dynasty. During the late Song dynasty (960-1279) the importance of the Analects as a philosophy work was raised above that of the older Five Classics, and it was recognized as one of the "Four Books". The Analects has been one of the most widely-read and studied books in China for the last 2,000 years, and continues to have a substantial influence on Chinese and East Asian thought and values today. Confucius believed that the welfare of a country depended on the moral cultivation of its people, beginning from the nation's leadership. He believed that individuals could begin to cultivate an all-encompassing sense of virtue through ren, and that the most basic step to cultivating ren was devotion to one's parents and older siblings. He taught that one's individual desires do not need to be suppressed, but that people should be educated to reconcile their desires via rituals and forms of propriety, through which people could demonstrate their respect for others and their responsible roles in society. Confucius taught that a ruler's sense of virtue was his primary prerequisite for leadership. His primary goal in educating his students was to produce ethically well-cultivated men who would carry themselves with gravity and speak correctly.
Thinking Through Confucius critically interprets the conceptual structure underlying Confucius' philosophical reflections. It also investigates "thinking," or "philosophy" from the perspective of Confucius. That authors suggest that an examination of Chinese philosophy may provide an alternative definition of philosophy that can be used to address some of the pressing issues of the Western cultural tradition.
Two thousand and five hundred years ago, a Chinese scholar, presently known throughout the world as "Confucius," spent a lifetime wandering and spreading words of wisdom amongst all he met. He was not just a legend, he was a real man. He was K'ung fu-tsze of Lu, a state in eastern China. He was a husband, a father, a Minister of Justice, a devoted teacher, and a loyal friend. He was a man who spoke up to the monarchy, who fled from enemies, who sought tenderness for the elderly and the orphans, and who, at times, cried. His life's mission was not merely to disseminate brief aphorisms. It was to teach others to develop their character gradually, carefully, and solidly. He taught people to uphold that character at all times and during all situations, and to strengthen their own commitment to what was right. He strove to assist people in cultivating the inner fortitude to live as honorable, devoted, respectful, sincere, honest, knowledgeable, humble, careful, intelligent, concerned, compassionate, fair, and wise human beings, at all times and in all situations. He sought to awaken human consciousness to recognize that the ability to enact change and to make ours a more just and kind world lay not within an external deity, but within the will of each human being. K'ung fu-tsze strove to inspire people that each person must live a life of sincerity, concern, and respect for all others for society to sustain itself. K'ung fu-tsze was not just advising people on how to act during specific situations. He was advising them on how to act for a lifetime. The Analects of Confucius have laid the foundation upon which Chinese civilization has endured for over 2,500 years. I hope that by creating this illustrated version of the Analects, I will have helped you to gain as much from the wisdom of K'ung fu-tsze as I have.
This Chinese sage from the sixth century BC is probably the most quoted philosopher and moralizer ever, a guide to everyday as well as heavenly conduct. CALLENDER ANCIENT WISDOM
The Analects of Confucius gathers the teachings or aphorisms of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC). He discusses the morality of government and the individual, social relationships, justice and sincerity. The philosophical movement of confucianism sprang from the study of these writings. As part of our mission to publish great works of literary fiction and nonfiction, Sheba Blake Publishing Corp. is extremely dedicated to bringing to the forefront the amazing works of long dead and truly talented authors.
A new translation and commentary of the Analects for contemporary audiences. The Analects of Confucius is arguably the single most influential work of Chinas cultural heritage. In this new English translation, Peimin Ni accomplishes the rare feat of simultaneously providing a faithful translation of the text, offering his own reading based on gongfu (practice) perspective, and presenting major alternative readings to help the reader understand how diverse interpretations and controversies arise. In addition to the inclusion of the original Chinese text, Ni adds a comprehensive introduction, a discussion of key terms, annotations, and extensive cross-references. In doing so, Ni makes the text accessible and engaging for todays audience. Understanding the Analects of Confucius is an outstanding work of sinological scholarship. Henry Rosemont Jr., author of A Readers Companion to the Confucian Analects Peimin Nis translation of the Analects has many virtues that make it stand out as an exemplary version of this most important Chinese text. Ni has chosen to present the text as a living document, embedded in two thousand years of commentarial conversation over its meaning, with todays readers very much part of that ongoing conversation. Stephen C. Angle, author of Contemporary Confucian Political Philosophy
The Doctrine of the Mean by Confucius. Translated by James Legge. Top 100 Chinese Philosophy Classics. The Doctrine of the Mean, is both a doctrine of Confucianism and also the title of one of the Four Books of Confucian philosophy.The text is attributed to Zisi (also known as Kong Ji), the only grandson of Confucius. It was published as a chapter in the Classic of Rites.The phrase Doctrine of the Mean (zhong yong) first occurs in Book VI, verse 26 of the Analects of Confucius: “The Master [Confucius] said, The virtue embodied in the doctrine of the Mean is of the highest order. But it has long been rare among people” — Analects, 6:26 (Burton Watson tr.)Analects never expands on what this term means, but Zisi's text, Doctrine of the Mean, explores its meaning in detail, as well as how to apply it to one's life. The text was adopted into the canon of the Neo-Confucian movement, as compiled by Zhu Xi.Although Burton Watson translated zhong yong as Doctrine of the Mean, other English-language translators have rendered it differently. James Legge called it Constant Mean. Pierre Ryckmans (aka Simon Leys) Middle Way, while Arthur Waley chose Middle Use. Ezra Pound's attempts include Unswerving Pivot, and Unwobbling Pivot. Roger T. Ames and David L. Hall titled their 2001 translation Focusing the Familiar.
The philosophy of Confucius emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. His followers competed successfully with many other schools during the Hundred Schools of Thought era only to be suppressed in favor of the Legalists during the Qin Dynasty. Following the victory of Han over Chu after the collapse of Qin, Confucius's thoughts received official sanction and were further developed into a system known as Confucianism. Confucius is traditionally credited with having authored or edited many of the Chinese classic texts including all of the Five Classics, but modern scholars are cautious of attributing specific assertions to Confucius himself. Aphorisms concerning his teachings were compiled in the Analects, but only many years after his death. Confucius's principles had a basis in common Chinese tradition and belief. He championed strong family loyalty, ancestor worship, respect of elders by their children of husbands by their wives. He also recommended family as a basis for ideal government. He espoused the well-known principle "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself", an early version of the Golden Rule. Confucius (551–479 BC) was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.
A fresh translation of one of the most recognized texts of the premodern world: The Analects is a must-read for those interested in China's past, present, and future. This new translation by renowned East Asian scholar Moss Roberts offers a fresh interpretation of this classic work, sharpening and clarifying Confucius's positions on ethics, politics, and social organization. While no new edition of The Analects will wholly transform our understanding of Confucius’s teachings, Roberts’s translation attends to the many nuances in the text that are often overlooked, allowing readers a richer understanding of Confucius’ historic and heroic attempt to restore order and morality to government. This edition features a critical introduction by the translator as well as notes on key terms and historical figures, a topical index, and suggestions for further reading in recent English and Chinese scholarship to extend the rich contextual background of the translation. This ambitious new edition of The Analects will enhance the understanding of specialists and newcomers to Confucius alike.
THE HEART OF CONFUCIUS tells what all Western readers should know about Confucius and why his teachings are important. They are the teachings that have influenced Chinese life for two and a half millenniums and expressed universal human ideals that have helped to shape civilization.
Entire text of the Analects of Confucius in large, readable characters, and beneath this Legge's full translation, which has been accepted and the definitive, standard English version. Full chinese text, English translation on same page.
Confucius was a Chinese teacher, statesman, and philosopher who lived in the 5th and 6th century BC. One of the most influential philosophers of all time, and still deeply regarded amongst the Chinese people, his ideology is one which emphasizes the importance of the family, as well as justice, sincerity, and morality in both personal and political matters. Confucius did not regard himself as an innovator, but as the conservator of ancient truth and ceremonial propriety. He dealt with neither theology nor metaphysics, but with moral and political conduct. The "Analects" or "Sayings of Confucius," is the classic collection of his teachings compiled by his disciples over several centuries following his death. Confucius believed that the welfare of a nation depended upon the moral character of its people, and that the cultivation of this character began by a devotion to the well-being of others, starting with one's immediate family. The impact of this work on Eastern philosophy cannot be overstated, as it stands to this day as one of the most important philosophical works from ancient times. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is translated by James Legge, and includes an introduction by Lionel Giles.
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