The Analects

Name: The Analects
ISBN: 9787506383790

ConfuciusWriters Publishing House · ChinaAug 2025

4.9

Word count: 22K words
Chapters: 21
ISBN: 9787506383790

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Summary

The Analects was compiled by the disciples of Confucius and their later followers and is the most classic work of Confucianism. Cast in the form of sayings and dialogues, it records the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples, thereby displaying his political views, ethical thought, moral concepts and educational principles. It contains profound expositions of core ideas such as "ren" and "li," as in "Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire"; and discussions of learning methods and attitudes, as in "To learn and in due time practice what one has learned—is that not a joy?" The language is terse and memorable; a few words contain rich philosophy. As an important classic of traditional Chinese culture, it has had a profound influence on later thought, education, social ethics and many other fields.

Editor's review

As the foundational work of Confucian thought, The Analects records the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples. This Writers Publishing House edition of The Analects offers modern readers a text that is both scholarly and readable, containing not only traditional annotations but also a modern Chinese translation and background explanations, making it easy for contemporary readers to bridge the gap of language and era and understand its core ideas. In terms of content value, the concepts of ren, yi, li, zhi and xin explored in The Analects are not only norms of conduct in ancient society but also offer profound wisdom for modern people in handling interpersonal relationships and improving self-cultivation. Reading this book not only helps one understand the spiritual core of traditional Chinese culture but also provides practical guidance for conducting oneself in the world. This edition is clearly organized with detailed annotations, suitable for both in-depth study and daily dipping into.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers who wish to systematically understand traditional Chinese culture and Confucian thought
Working professionals seeking to improve self-cultivation and wisdom in dealing with the world
Students and researchers interested in ancient philosophy and ethical thought
People who want to find inner calm and life guidance through reading classics

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting light, entertaining fiction
People completely unfamiliar with classical Chinese who are unwilling to spend time understanding basic words and sentences

Reading tips

On a first reading, read through the modern Chinese translation to grasp the overall lines of thought, then return to the original to savor it carefully
Combine reading with life practice by choosing one maxim as a guide for self-cultivation over a period of time
It is advisable to keep a notebook, record passages that resonate or provoke thought, and write down your own understanding and reflections

About the publisher

Writers Publishing House China · Founded in 1953

Writers Publishing House is a Chinese publisher focused mainly on literary publishing. Its output covers classical literature, foreign literature, folk literature and Eastern philosophy, with some extension into popular reading such as social fiction and parenting books. Its catalogue contains more than 900 titles, including representative works such as Dream of the Red Chamber and its edited editions, Shakespeare's Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream, and foreign literary classics such as The Brothers Karamazov and Lost Illusions. In terms of authors, it includes classical writers such as Cao Xueqin and Gao E, foreign masters such as William Shakespeare, Dostoevsky and Balzac, and translations by translators such as Zhu Shenghao, Geng Jizhi and Fu Lei. Overall, its publishing profile balances Chinese and foreign literary classics, emphasizes quality translations, and serves both academic and general readers; publicly available information on its specific publishing plans is limited.

版权信息
学而
为政
八佾
里仁
公冶长
雍也
述而
泰伯
子罕
乡党
先进
颜渊
子路
宪问
卫灵公
季氏
阳货
微子
子张
尧曰

FAQ

Are the annotations in this edition of The Analects authoritative and easy to understand?

This edition is based on the standard text; the annotations draw on the research of scholars through the ages and explain in modern language, striving for a balance between authority and accessibility, and are suitable for most readers.

Can I understand it without a foundation in classical Chinese?

The book provides a complete modern Chinese translation and background notes that effectively help readers understand the meaning of the original. With patient reading, one can fully grasp its core ideas.

Does The Analects still offer guidance for modern life?

The topics it explores—integrity, filial piety, learning, self-reflection—have a universality that transcends the ages. Much of its wisdom on personal growth, leadership and interpersonal relationships still offers valuable insight today.

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About the author

Confucius Author · Chinese

Confucius, whose personal name was Qiu and whose courtesy name was Zhongni, was a native of Zou in the State of Lu (present-day Qufu, Shandong) in the late Spring and Autumn period. He was a celebrated thinker, educator and statesman in ancient China and the founder of the Confucian school. He pioneered private teaching and is traditionally said to have had three thousand disciples, seventy-two of them outstanding; in his later years he compiled and edited the Six Classics. His sayings and deeds were recorded by his disciples and their followers in the Analects, which embodies his ideas on benevolence, ritual propriety, self-cultivation and governance. His teachings, transmitted and developed over more than two thousand years, have deeply influenced China and East Asia and remain an important resource for understanding Eastern philosophy and ethical traditions. This library holds twenty-nine related works, mostly centered on the text of the Analects, commonly classified under Eastern philosophy and parenting, showing that his thought attracts attention both in classical study and in character education. Because of the great antiquity, public information on the specific details of his life is limited; readers may grasp his core ideas through the texts themselves.