The Analects of Confucius is an aphoristic collection compiled by the disciples of Confucius—a philosopher and educator of the Spring and Autumn Period—and their successors. It records the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples, finalized during the early Warring States Period.
The text comprises 20 chapters and 492 sections, primarily presented in aphoristic form, supplemented by narrative accounts. It systematically embodies the political doctrines, ethical thoughts, moral concepts, and educational principles of Confucius and the Confucian school. Though predominantly composed of concise sayings, the work features rich meaning beneath its succinct language. Certain passages and dialogues vividly portray characters through simple yet profound exchanges, characterized by an elegant, composed, and subtly nuanced style.
After the Song Dynasty, The Analects of Confucius was enshrined as one of the "Four Books," becoming an official textbook in ancient academies and a mandatory text for imperial civil service examinations.
As a prose collection centered on recorded speech, The Analects primarily preserves the dialogues and interactions between Confucius and his disciples, highlighting his values in governance, aesthetics, moral ethics, and utilitarian philosophy.
The content spans diverse domains such as politics, education, literature, philosophy, and principles for personal conduct. The extant version contains 20 chapters and 492 sections: 444 record conversations between Confucius, his disciples, and contemporaries, while 48 document discussions among Confucius’ followers themselves.
The first chapter of the Analects is about learning and studying
The second chapter of the Analects is about politics
The Analects of Confucius, Part Three, Chapter Eight
The fourth chapter of the Analects, the chapter on benevolence
The Analects Chapter 5: Gongye Chang
The Analects of Confucius Chapter 6: Gongyong
The seventh chapter of the Analects of Confucius is a public statement
The eighth chapter of the Analects, the Taibo chapter
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