"To quietly persevere in storing up what is learned, to continue studying without respite, to instruct others without growing weary--is this n...
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Sep 03, 2010
Eric
rated it: 
Disappointing.
You know in all those Charlie Chan movies, where Charlie Chan would say, "Confucius say..." and follow with something brilliant? Well, Confucius never said all that shit.
Basically, he said, "Love learning, mourn your parents for three years, know the Odes, appreciate music, observe the proper rituals, honor what has come before, observe propriety, love doing a good job over getting a good salary, and love virtue more than beauty."
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You know in all those Charlie Chan movies, where Charlie Chan would say, "Confucius say..." and follow with something brilliant? Well, Confucius never said all that shit.
Basically, he said, "Love learning, mourn your parents for three years, know the Odes, appreciate music, observe the proper rituals, honor what has come before, observe propriety, love doing a good job over getting a good salary, and love virtue more than beauty."
More...
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Dec 17, 2008
Stevie
rated it: 
Confucius has a lot of wisdom. Anyone who is serious about living life well would do well to read the Analects.
Poignant Quotes:
If you try to guide the common people with coercive regulations and keep them in line with punishments, the common people will become evasive and will have no sense of shame. If, however, you guide them with Virtue, and keep them in line by means of ritual, the people will have a sense of shame and will rectify themselves.
Give your pa More...
Poignant Quotes:
If you try to guide the common people with coercive regulations and keep them in line with punishments, the common people will become evasive and will have no sense of shame. If, however, you guide them with Virtue, and keep them in line by means of ritual, the people will have a sense of shame and will rectify themselves.
Give your pa More...
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Jul 22, 2011
David
rated it:
While I have credited the writing of this work to Confucius, it was not actually written by him but rather by his disciples. Thus Confucius joins Socrates and Jesus Christ of having an enormous influence upon the world without actually writing anything down (though this is not correct, as I further outline below). Further, like Jesus Christ and Socrates, the books are a record of his sayings (though, unlike Jesus Christ, he did not perform any miracles, nor did he speak of salvation).
An i More...
An i More...
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Jun 24, 2011
Robyn
rated it: 
I'm on the fence with this one. I read religious books to better understand the adherents to a religion. I suppose that the first chapters talk about being filial, which I find that most of the Chinese people in my life are quite filial... almost to a fault.
As a religious work, it really skirts the afterlife and the notion of god(s) by saying such things as questioning how one can understand the afterlife if they don't understand life or how can one understand god if one doesn't un More...
As a religious work, it really skirts the afterlife and the notion of god(s) by saying such things as questioning how one can understand the afterlife if they don't understand life or how can one understand god if one doesn't un More...
Nov 11, 2010
Ratna
rated it:
onfucius was a moral philosopher and thinker from ancient China. His teachings are held very highly in the Chinese world. Over the years these teachings have come to establish themselves as a school of orthodox philosophy, with a follower base that almost borders that of a religion. Much has been written about him (both real and attributed) after his years by his followers, raising his status to almost that of a demigod. However the Analects remain one of the few authentic texts about his life a
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Jun 04, 2011
Steve
rated it:
This was hard work in places! The Analects themselves probably could do with studying in detail and interpreting rather than just reading for interest – they are a bit, well, philosophical. Fortunately Lau gives us the gist of the Analects in the introduction. The basic upshot of Confucius is the ‘Golden Rule’ common to most belief systems, but unlike the religions of the West and Near-East there is no reward in heaven for ones good deeds, no punishment for bad – it is simply that one should end
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Jan 13, 2011
Jesse
rated it: 
Confucius was, in his youthful studies, deeply influenced by the Tao Te Ching, and this is evident in the way he supposedly spoke - dialectically. The dialectics are almost always displaying the inverted contrasts of the wise man and the common man. Confucius disparages common people, saying, "They can be made to follow a path, but not to understand it." Confucius, however, did not condone the leading of people along any path, for he well knew that there is no path for people to follow
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Jul 11, 2011
Brandi
rated it:
Even though this is a canonical work for those interested in studying Eastern philosophy, I found it a tedious read. It's a loosely-organized collection of aphorisms attributed to Confucius that provides insight into his moral philosophy.
His philosophy is fairly practical because it deals with with the material world and the problems of everyday life rather than with the supernatural. He emphasizes the importance of filial piety (devotion and obedience to one's parents)the most a More...
His philosophy is fairly practical because it deals with with the material world and the problems of everyday life rather than with the supernatural. He emphasizes the importance of filial piety (devotion and obedience to one's parents)the most a More...
Sep 13, 2009
Jess
rated it:
Confucius is great reading for the fan of moral philosophy, esp. one who is unused to Eastern thought--my husband qualifies as such a person, and I think he got into it more than I did.
Confucius delivers lots of advice on how to be a "gentleman," or a benevolent, dutiful person. He aims at those who will be serving in the government, but much of his instruction could be applied to anyone. There is nothing of the spiritual in here, though Confucianism as a way of thought is some More...
Confucius delivers lots of advice on how to be a "gentleman," or a benevolent, dutiful person. He aims at those who will be serving in the government, but much of his instruction could be applied to anyone. There is nothing of the spiritual in here, though Confucianism as a way of thought is some More...
Jan 20, 2011
Esmeralda
rated it:
This text is really for hard core Chinese or Confucius scholars. Two fast, straightforward sections "Confucian Analects" and "The Doctrine of the Mean" were excellent to read. Culturally, this influential writing gives one an idea of the mechanics behind community centered thinking. The series of rules, expectation, and moralizing are about personal matters as well as political. There is a sense of order between ruler/citizen, parents/child, etc.
"Master said, More...
"Master said, More...
Feb 13, 2010
Fernando
rated it:
The tough thing about writing a review of a book you read a long time ago is that you cannot remember enough of what you read to do justice to the book. The positive thing is that you can remember only that which mostly impacted you and your life. In "The Analects" some things that came across to me were: the power of ritual and cultural traditions as a means to keeping youthful impetuous in line, and the characteristics of a great leader, teacher, and/or friend. I don’t give this b
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Oct 31, 2011
James
rated it:
One of the Four Books and Five Classics, this book is pretty enlightening regarding Chinese culture and history. The actual content gets a bit repetitive, but that's to be expected of these type of classics. It's also not quite as thought provoking as the Tao Te Ching. Still, it's a solid book and really has a lot to say.
I tried grabbing quotes from it via my Kindle as I was reading, but the Project Gutenberg version I was reading didn't support it. It's probably for the best, though. More...
I tried grabbing quotes from it via my Kindle as I was reading, but the Project Gutenberg version I was reading didn't support it. It's probably for the best, though. More...
Apr 02, 2010
Bob
rated it:
In this compilation (Random House, Modern Library Paperbacks; Arthur Waley, translator), Waley states that these sayings were put together long after Confucius's death and it is likely that many or perhaps none of them are authentic (in which case, they are from disciples). The sayings emphasize the role of moral force ("Te"), granted by Heaven, and its expression through the gentleman (advisor to rulers) who operate by even demeanor, without bias, and who promote goodness, which may
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Feb 07, 2012
Barnaby
rated it:
David Hinton as produced a translation of the Analects that is highly-readable and sometimes lyrical, such as:
Adept Kung said: "When the Master talks about civility and cultivation, you can hear what he says. But when he talks about the nature of things and the Way of Heaven, you can't hear a word." - V.12
The translation of the key term "Jen" as "humanity" appears to be well established, but I think it is a poor choice and rather prefer Peter Bo More...
Adept Kung said: "When the Master talks about civility and cultivation, you can hear what he says. But when he talks about the nature of things and the Way of Heaven, you can't hear a word." - V.12
The translation of the key term "Jen" as "humanity" appears to be well established, but I think it is a poor choice and rather prefer Peter Bo More...
Mar 18, 2011
Hieu
rated it:
I did enjoy the introduction of this book; however, its content is difficult to comprehend with my current mindset and background. Confucius' emphasis on rites is still much enigmatic to me; my guess is that rites to Confucius is similar to meditation to Buddha. Perhaps Confucius believes that by practicing rites, men can develop noble qualities. Nevertheless his stress on rites, behaviors and benevolence seems to be a self-restraining method for learning. It easily creates unnecessary precepts
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Sep 19, 2010
umberto
rated it:
From my 5-day study tour in South Korea (August 5-9), I read a bit about Korean history in English, according to Prof. Han Young Woo (2010: 7), Confucius said, "Learning is a joy of life." This is an interestingly philosophical, psychological and educational quote as well as a groundbreaking one. Just imagine, Confucius said this some 2,500 years ago! Of course, we still need to read him to learn more even in this 21st century and beyond.
I've just posted this quote in my Fa More...
I've just posted this quote in my Fa More...
Nov 10, 2009
Palindrome
rated it:
Few philosophers have had as big an impact throughout history as Kongzi (known to the English-speaking world as Confucius). His teachings influenced entire dynasties throughout East Asia, though none more so than in his home country, China. To understand Chinese culture and Chinese values, you need to understand Kongzi, and the Analects (or "Lunyu" in Chinese) are the heart of what he taught. They are a collection of his sayings gathered together by his disciples, ranging over all kind
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Jan 27, 2011
James
rated it:
Over the past few weeks I considered, meditated upon and read the classic translation of Confucius by James Legge entitled, Confucian Analects, The Great Learning and The Doctrine of the Mean. All works distilled over centuries from the teachings of Confucius who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.
Elias Canetti summed it up neatly: "The Analects of Confucius are the oldest complete intellectual and spiritual portrait of a man. It strikes one as a modern book." It also strikes this r More...
Elias Canetti summed it up neatly: "The Analects of Confucius are the oldest complete intellectual and spiritual portrait of a man. It strikes one as a modern book." It also strikes this r More...
Aug 14, 2011
Chris
rated it:
I think Plato and Confucius would have gotten along brilliantly. What I'm getting out of reading these ancient texts is something inherently simple, yet somehow beyond our grasp, that living a virtuous life is more important than attaining wealth or status. It's more important than doing well in school or getting a good job. It's more important than getting what you want in life.
A "Gentleman" in the book is one who follows the Way...
"Raise the straight and s More...
A "Gentleman" in the book is one who follows the Way...
"Raise the straight and s More...
Feb 05, 2010
Sydney
rated it:
I read a new edition by Oxford World Classics. Translation and introduction by Raymond Dawson. I have long enjoyed reading Chinese poetry in translation like "One Hundred Poems from the Chinese" and "One Hundred More Poems from the Chinese, Love and the Turning of the Year" by Kenneth Rexroth but my grasp of Confucius was at the level of Fortune Cookies. I highly recommend this book. Excellent treatment of the text, illuminating footnotes and valuable commentary. Worth readin
Dec 11, 2007
Alex
rated it:
Here stands another book that is impossible to understand without someone who already knows. The first chapter sets up the relation between you, your friends and family, and the rest of society. The advent of the state was also the advent of widespread cruelty.
Take for example a glib salesman. He can sell anybody anything. I ask him, "Would you do this to your family?" He responds, "Of course not!" Obviously, a man does not cheat his friends if they are friends. More...
Take for example a glib salesman. He can sell anybody anything. I ask him, "Would you do this to your family?" He responds, "Of course not!" Obviously, a man does not cheat his friends if they are friends. More...
Sep 25, 2010
Toros
rated it:
A fascinating insight into the sayings of the legendary philospher. It's certainly interesting to compare some of the more well known quotes to some of those which have not made it into popular usage, despite being, in my view, just as 'wise'. In my opinion, it speaks volumes about the human condition. My only criticism is the format of the book: because it is just a load of quotes, it isn't something that makes interesting cover-to-cover reading.
Jul 31, 2011
Phil
rated it:
Confucius is one of the most important thinkers in Chinese history, and his theories of how to run a society are fascinating. That being said, the book is really difficult to engage with because it is a set of aphorisms that don't really explain the people they reference. So an aphorism will refer to Tsua, but never explain who that is or what we (as readers outside Confucius' immediate political context) need to know about that person.
Apr 02, 2010
Ron
rated it:
A fascinating look into an important pillar of Chinese thought and culture. Taken in small doses, I enjoyed the experience, but over extended reading it began to exhibit some of the repetitiveness of certain books of the law and the prophets in the Old Testament.
Anyone coming new to this material should probably read the introductory and explanatory material provided in whichever edition one chooses, in order to understand context.
Anyone coming new to this material should probably read the introductory and explanatory material provided in whichever edition one chooses, in order to understand context.
Mar 14, 2011
I'll admit it. It was in a weak moment of "self-discovery" where I read this. I guess I was trying to tap into some "essential" Koreanness that existed in Confucian sayings, since so many Korean proverbs are derived from Gong-ja himself(supposedly). I read this and didn't find much moral clarity nor did I find the secret to my parents' craziness. The most helpful in all of that was the introduction.
Dec 27, 2010
Chase
rated it:
It wasn't exactly my favorite reading in the world, but it really helps you understand the Japanese and their respect for the elderly. As I recall it was basically a bunch of suggestions on how to run a better government and that included respecting the various relationships that we all encounter everyday like father-son, master-disciple, etc. Understanding these relationships can help the reader understand some of the confucian underpinnings of the Japanese social construct.
Dec 17, 2008
matt
rated it:
I read this a million years ago. I remembered it out of the blue. I just completely fell into it, absorbed, while curled in the nook of a porch windowsill in summertime by the beach. I literally couldn't pull myself away, it was a modern library anthology of his work...they don't have it listed here but it contained the Analects, so here 'tis...
Jul 04, 2011
Tim
rated it:
This is certainly one of the most complicated books to read for the first time. The advice dispensed from "The Master" Confucius is in no particular order, and there is a cast of characters and locations that are hard to follow without a scorecard. I can understand why people might spend years in the study of this book, because it will take a while to extract out all the goodness. Many of the sayings are great and useful, but they are packed inside of wads of 2,500-year-old newspaper.
Aug 14, 2011
Jsiret
rated it:
I thought the most interesting part of this book was the introduction by the translator which gave me the background and insight I would not have gotten by reading the Analects myself.
It really is '1. Master says... 2. Master says... ...'
In context I'm sure it is worthy of 5 stars but in terms of being a satisfying read 1 star.
It really is '1. Master says... 2. Master says... ...'
In context I'm sure it is worthy of 5 stars but in terms of being a satisfying read 1 star.
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May 08, 2011
Ronnie
rated it:
Worthwhile read imo... though it is, natch, outdated in many regards, theres still some universal lessons to take away from it + its a cool historical read. It also serves illuminating on old chinese literature, such as Romance of Three Kingdoms, since it serves to explain the meaning behind the actions of many of its characters. Cool!
