Analects of Confucius

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The Analects of Confucius is a collection of sayings from Confucius, a renowned Chinese philosopher, and his followers. It is believed by many that the Analects were collected by Confucius’ pupils and not actually by Confucius himself. The Analects still have a strong influence in East Asia, particularly in Chinese culture, and have strongly influenced the philosophy and values of Chinese culture. It is estimated that the Analects were written over a period of 30-50 years by his disciples. Throughout time, Chinese culture has used the Analects as a foundation in their education system. The Analects of Confucius were collected because of the importance that was placed on the teachings of Confucius. Confucius’ emphasis on the idea that the “country’s welfare depended on the moral cultivation of its people”. His pupils believed that by recording the Analects in written language they would last forever and the philosophies of Confucius would spread throughout the Chinese culture. The essence of the message of the Analects is the key concept that individuals should think independently, and he strived to define concepts in an abstract, universal manner in which they could be applied to multiple cultures could understand them. When it came to interpersonal relations, Confucius believed in humanity and it’s ability to learn from one another. An example of this is 7.28 where he says, “Maybe there are people who can act without knowledge, but I am not one of them. Hear much, pick the best and follow it, see much, and keep a record of it: this is the best substitute for innate knowledge.” (p. 32). Confucius’ idea of the role of a gentle man was that a man is nothing unless he is a gentleman. A gentleman was responsible for owning land and having some political power. He was also expected to be an intellectual. An example of Confucius’ thoughts on a gentleman is 2.14 in
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