A simple review of the Analects Of Confucius

1. review of the analects of
The Analects Of Confucius is a collection of the teachings of Confucius, the Chinese philosopher
and great thinker who lived 551 BC - 479 BC.
Presented as a series of discourses and dialogues that Confucius had with his disciples, The
Analects of Confucius was written by his disciples several years after he died. The Analects
consists of 20 Books (Chapters) and is essentially a rulebook of life. While reading this rulebook,
it reminded me of Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality,
industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility.
Just as it is in the case of Franklin's virtues, some of the rules in Confucius' rulebook are no
longer relevant today, but I also appreciated reading Confucius Quotes the same way that I
appreciated reading The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin because some gems of wisdom are
scattered throughout both texts.
Below are some of the things which stood out for me. Though I was not always comfortable with
the language, I am very mindful of when The Analects of Confucius was written. I am sure that
your list would be different.
Confucius said, "Those who are born with the possession of knowledge are the highest class of
men. Those who learn, and so readily get possession of knowledge, are the next. Those who are
dull and stupid, and yet compass the learning, are another class next to these. As to those who
are dull and stupid and yet do not learn; they are the lowest of the people."
The philosopher Tsang said, "I daily examine myself on three points: whether, in transacting
business for others, I may have been not faithful; whether, in intercourse with friends, I may have
been not sincere; whether I may have not mastered and practiced the instructions of my teacher."
The philosopher Yu said, "When agreements are made according to what is right, what is spoken
can be made good. When respect is shown according to what is proper, one keeps far from
shame and disgrace. When the parties upon whom a man leans are proper persons to be intimate
with, he can make them his guides and masters."
"To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage."
The Master said, "Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. Have no friends not equal to
yourself. When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them."
Tsze-chang asked what were the characteristics of the good man. The Master said, "He does not
tread in the footsteps of others, but moreover, he does not enter the chamber of the sage."
The Master said, "When internal examination discovers nothing wrong, what is there to be
anxious about, what is there to fear?"
The Master said, "Do not be desirous to have things done quickly; do not look at small
advantages.
Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small
advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished."