As these themes continually make their presences in The Analects, much can be revealed about the Chinese society and mainstream culture during Confucius’ time.Ī society prescribed in The Analects is the epitome of order, and structure. The underlying main themes throughout the book are the presence of a hierarchical society with a rigid class structure, the encircling theme of self-cultivating benevolence, and the eternal search for wisdom.

It is said that, “Half of the teachings in The Analects would suffice to effectively rule a nation.” With the later introduction of the scholar’s test held to recognize talent and intelligence on the basis of one’s understanding of the Confucius’ classics, it goes to show how greatly valued The Analects was for the education of the newer generation. These teachings later established themselves to be one of the most historically influential and long-standing quotes of all time. The writing is a collection of Confucius’ teachings and concepts later rectified by his pupils shortly after his death. The result is a map of Confucian thought that brings us as close as possible to experiencing Confucius as his followers might have 2,500 years ago.The Analects, written and compiled by some of the world’s greatest ancient thinkers is the basis of Chinese and East Asian intellectual thought.

It laid the foundation of the Chinese idea of what is moral and what is politically viable, what is a good government and who has integrity.įeaturing both the English and Chinese texts, this new translation, by one of the pre-eminent scholars of Confucius, draws on the most recent excavated manuscripts and centuries of scholarship to illuminate the historical context of Confucius’ teachings, explaining who the many local figures referenced are, and navigating a rich tradition of historical commentaries. The Analects by Confucius, translated by Annping Chin, is available here in EPUB, AZW3, and PDF formats.īook Description: The book that the Chinese have returned to repeatedly for reflection, renewal, and validation of their own views, The Analects was compiled by the disciples of Confucius, China’s earliest teacher and moral thinker, from his remarks and his conversations with rulers, political operators, and people he happened to meet.

Confucius and the analects