The Analects of Confucius

The most influential book in Chinese history is a collection of short conversations. In the Analects, Confucius talks with his disciples about learning, friendship, filial piety, ritual, music and government; he praises the poor, cheerful Yan Hui, scolds the bold Zilu, sighs over rulers who will not employ him, and describes the gentleman who is at ease without being arrogant. The sayings are brief, often humorous, sometimes sharp, and they reward rereading. This complete new English translation gives all twenty books, from Xue Er to Yao Yue, in natural modern English, letting Confucius be heard as his followers remembered him: a teacher, a failed politician, a man who loved learning more than anything else. Names are given in modern pinyin and key terms are rendered plainly rather than buried in jargon, so the arguments, stories and debates can be read straight through by anyone curious about Chinese thought.