The Analects of Confucius - Softcover

Confucius

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1535502630 ISBN 13: 9781535502634

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016

Synopsis

The classic quotes and discussions of Chinese philosopher Confucius are presented here anew in a superbly formatted English edition.

Originally, these sayings and conversations were penned during the Warring States period of Chinese antiquity. The subjects range from wise behaviour in times of crisis to general instruction upon how to live a peaceful life characterised by serenity, humility and good work. The importance of family life and community cooperation are also alluded to, offering an insight into the mores and customs of ancient Chinese life. The politics of the time, rife with infighting between noble families and dukedoms, also attract consideration by Confucius and his contemporaries.

To better illustrate his points, examples and analogies are readily offered by Confucius, who engages with several other philosophers through the course of the twenty named books that comprise the core text of the Analects.

The translator of this book is James Legge, a Scottish Sinologist who spent much of his lifetime in China translating the philosophical and artistic classics. Devoting his talents to accurately rendering Confucian thought for Western consideration, Legge's translations of the Chinese Classics were originally published by Oxford University Press, and remain revered and appreciated to this day.

About this title

About the Author

Confucius (551–479 BC) was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. 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.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1535502630
• ISBN 13: 9781535502634
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 78