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Essential Confucius
Confucius is one of the great figures in the history of human thought, a pioneering educator, social critic, and political scientist. As a philosopher and teacher, he addressed core human issues with such precision and clarity that his sayings have been preserved and studied over thousands of years. The Analects of Confucius are a basic source for a wide range of advice on human affairs from governing nations and managing enterprises to dealing with society and getting along with others. This new presentation of the ever-popular sayings of Confucius is designed to bring the wisdom of a great teacher to another generation of readers. In his brilliant text, Thomas Cleary has arranged the sayings of Confucius in the order of the sixty-four classic I Ching hexagrams, which Confucius not only made available in their present form but also supplemented with his own written commentaries. Widely recognized for his linguistic and technical mastery in the translation of ancient Chinese texts, Tho
179 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1992
12 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Confucius
765 books1,887 followersChinese philosopher Confucius, originally Kong Fuzi and born circa 551 BC, promoted a system of social and political ethics, emphasizing order, moderation, and reciprocity between superiors and subordinates; after his death in 479 BC, disciples compiled the
Analects
, which contains a collection of his sayings and dialogues.
Teachings of this social thinker deeply influenced Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese life.
孔子 - Kong Zi
孔夫子 - Kong Fuzi (Kung Fu-Tzu)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius
Teachings of this social thinker deeply influenced Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese life.
孔子 - Kong Zi
孔夫子 - Kong Fuzi (Kung Fu-Tzu)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 30, 2015
A good comparison of the I Ching and Confucius's Analects. Having the quotes side-by-side with corrosponding passages of the I Ching makes it easy to read, and the introduction about the life and times of Confucius helps put everything in perspective.
4/5 on here, 8/10 for myself
4/5 on here, 8/10 for myself
October 11, 2018
I would highly recommend the book The Essential Confucius. If you are into the ideals of someone from ancient times, and the knowledge that they can pass on about how to be a the best person possible. Through this story you can learn about his life, as well as how he believes and has guided others on how to live their lives. He teaches about government, and how to be humane.
In the story you can see how confucius believe that one can be humane. One can be humane if he has knowledge and a desire to learn, although there are many factors it takes to be humane, and there is no true definition to humaneness. He also is able to influence government in his time. He said that, “education and government are inseparable”. This is saying that in order to be a good and established person in government you must be able to learn and adapt throughout your reign. I would recommend this book for these quotes because you can learn how people of the time and today still believe how you can become a better person. Also with the aspects of government people today still use these words, so by reading this book you can learn the basics of some of the highest ranked people in the world
In conclusion I would highly recommend this book if you are into learning the basis of society, government, and basic human characteristics. By learning these things you can learn how our world today connects to the past as far back as ancient china.
In the story you can see how confucius believe that one can be humane. One can be humane if he has knowledge and a desire to learn, although there are many factors it takes to be humane, and there is no true definition to humaneness. He also is able to influence government in his time. He said that, “education and government are inseparable”. This is saying that in order to be a good and established person in government you must be able to learn and adapt throughout your reign. I would recommend this book for these quotes because you can learn how people of the time and today still believe how you can become a better person. Also with the aspects of government people today still use these words, so by reading this book you can learn the basics of some of the highest ranked people in the world
In conclusion I would highly recommend this book if you are into learning the basis of society, government, and basic human characteristics. By learning these things you can learn how our world today connects to the past as far back as ancient china.
May 25, 2018
It is kind of hard to get all the value of this historical figure in one book. 2000 years and a language translation make this take particular challenging.
The aphorisms of Confusius are short and leave much to interpretation.
The essence of Confusius doctrine seems to be:
- an emphasis on honesty,
- the importance of education,
- the responsibility of leaders, particularly kings, to be enlightened and just.
He spends much time on explaining that if a leader is cruel, greedy or lazy, that his people will be unruly and criminal. A leader must strive for constant improvement and learning. Confusius believes that people should be focused on improving the mind and spirit and downplays material gains. He believes that people should devote much of their time to public service and helping others.
Machavelli explains how to manipulate and use politics to grab and hold power. Sun Tzu provides practical strategies in war and battles to outflank, overwhelm and psychologically destroy an enemy. Confusius offers a path to success using education, knowledge and positive role modeling to lead and motivate others. Much of the Confusius ideals are carried forward in the philosophy of Sophocles and the teachings of Jesus.
The aphorisms of Confusius are short and leave much to interpretation.
The essence of Confusius doctrine seems to be:
- an emphasis on honesty,
- the importance of education,
- the responsibility of leaders, particularly kings, to be enlightened and just.
He spends much time on explaining that if a leader is cruel, greedy or lazy, that his people will be unruly and criminal. A leader must strive for constant improvement and learning. Confusius believes that people should be focused on improving the mind and spirit and downplays material gains. He believes that people should devote much of their time to public service and helping others.
Machavelli explains how to manipulate and use politics to grab and hold power. Sun Tzu provides practical strategies in war and battles to outflank, overwhelm and psychologically destroy an enemy. Confusius offers a path to success using education, knowledge and positive role modeling to lead and motivate others. Much of the Confusius ideals are carried forward in the philosophy of Sophocles and the teachings of Jesus.
November 1, 2018
I didn't read all the notes, but am confident I will utilize them as I reread sections of this. I was volunteered to give a forty minute lecture on Chinese Philosophy (Confucianism and Daoism) and this is what the school library had. It is accessible in the fact that it is a clear easy to read translation with a good, if brief introduction and notes. I'm not convince that the organization and pairing of selections from the Analects and the I Ching are helpful. As a beginning beginner, I feel like the marrying of two important works of Classical Chinese philosophy muddies the water more than illuminates either tradition. I'm sure that more study would help clarify the benefit of this system. I did find Confucius to be very enjoyable and want to seek out a more full academic translation of the Analects.
March 27, 2019
I think this book should actually be read meditatively and not read through in one sitting. Interesting to read the Analects alongside the Book of Change and the explanations on some verses is enlightening making understanding easier. It will be a good thing if everyone strive to be humane and live the principles set out by Confucius (as well as Lao Tzu and the Buddha who are also discussed in some verses).
Read
December 27, 2023Een moedige en grotendeels geslaagde poging om elke zin van de Analecten in te delen in centrale thema's, zodat het voor de hedendaagse lezer logischer is. Enkele elementen van de leer van Confucius komen in deze vertaling mooi naar voren, zoals het ontzagwekkende vertrouwen in de kracht van het juiste.
November 28, 2021
The world needs to read this. Perhaps my favorite line: "The morality of Confucius was not precisely defined by a rigid set of rules but by the principle of appropriate measure." How true that is. This only the tip of the wisdom iceberg imparted here..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2021
Having both the I Ching and Analects side by side was a great way to view Confucius thought and life in general together to bring upon a deeper inner vision on oneself.
March 19, 2024
Very good
January 7, 2025
A great place to start. Fascinatingly organized, clear translation.
March 15, 2011
This new presentation of the ever-popular sayings of Confucius brings the wisdom of a great teacher to another generation of readers. Cleary, a master translator of classic Chinese texts, provides the text with an insightful introduction & commentary. (From Yahoo)
Cleary presents the core teachings of the great Chinese philosopher, educator, and social critic in a convenient, easy-to-read format. Sayings from Confucius's AnalectsCleary presents the core teachings of the great Chinese philosopher, educator, and social critic in a convenient, easy-to-read format. Sayings from Confucius's Analects, or collection of aphorisms, are arranged in small groups by topic following his commentaries on the I Ching, or Book of Changes, the most profound of the Chinese classics. These remarks, which were incorporated into the I Ching itself, afford, as Cleary says, "the most convenient lens through which to view the ideas of Confucius systematically." This elegant organization makes it simple for the reader to consult the great sage readily on the wide variety of subjects with which he was concerned--including morality, etiquette, diplomacy, and social responsibility. Cleary's translation captures all the simplicity and directness of Confucius's eminently practical approach to life: "Be dutiful at home, brotherly in public; be discreet and trustworthy, love all people, and draw near to humanity. If you have extra energy as you do that, then study literature." The introduction provides solid philosophical and historical background, and notes on each of the 64 sections provide further insight into the subtleties of Confucian wisdom. --Uma Kukathas (from Amazon)
I found 'Essential Confucius' to be insightful, but grossly incomplete. I was surprised to see how little content was amassed by Cleary. The Analects are a rich source of insight, and this book simply does not do it justice. Some of the passages chosen I would not have put forth either, considering the nature of the book's purpose. A lot of space is wasted, which could have contained many more of Confucius' truths.
On the other hand, I do think that this is an excellent place to begin your Confucian search. If you just need a little prod or poke of his truths, then this is a nice, concise handbook. Nothing, however, can be substituted for the full Analects
Cleary presents the core teachings of the great Chinese philosopher, educator, and social critic in a convenient, easy-to-read format. Sayings from Confucius's AnalectsCleary presents the core teachings of the great Chinese philosopher, educator, and social critic in a convenient, easy-to-read format. Sayings from Confucius's Analects, or collection of aphorisms, are arranged in small groups by topic following his commentaries on the I Ching, or Book of Changes, the most profound of the Chinese classics. These remarks, which were incorporated into the I Ching itself, afford, as Cleary says, "the most convenient lens through which to view the ideas of Confucius systematically." This elegant organization makes it simple for the reader to consult the great sage readily on the wide variety of subjects with which he was concerned--including morality, etiquette, diplomacy, and social responsibility. Cleary's translation captures all the simplicity and directness of Confucius's eminently practical approach to life: "Be dutiful at home, brotherly in public; be discreet and trustworthy, love all people, and draw near to humanity. If you have extra energy as you do that, then study literature." The introduction provides solid philosophical and historical background, and notes on each of the 64 sections provide further insight into the subtleties of Confucian wisdom. --Uma Kukathas (from Amazon)
I found 'Essential Confucius' to be insightful, but grossly incomplete. I was surprised to see how little content was amassed by Cleary. The Analects are a rich source of insight, and this book simply does not do it justice. Some of the passages chosen I would not have put forth either, considering the nature of the book's purpose. A lot of space is wasted, which could have contained many more of Confucius' truths.
On the other hand, I do think that this is an excellent place to begin your Confucian search. If you just need a little prod or poke of his truths, then this is a nice, concise handbook. Nothing, however, can be substituted for the full Analects
May 21, 2020
"Dünyada beş şeyi uygulayabilirsen insanca olursun; saygı, yüce gönüllülük, doğruluk, berraklık ve eli açıklık. Eğer saygılıysan, aşağılanmazsın. Eğer yüce gönüllüysen, insanları kazanırsın. Eğer doğruysan, güvenilirsin. Eğer berraksan, başarılı olursun. Eğer eli açıksan, insanları istihdam edebilirsin."
Konfüçyüs Çin kültürünün en önemli sembollerinden birisidir. Filozof ve eğitmen olarak, ahlaki ve pratik konularına ilişkin deyişleri bulunmaktadır. Bakış açısı nedeniyle Doğu'nun Sokrates'i olarak anılmaktadır. Kendini bir anlatıcı olarak tanımlamaktadır. Temelde dört şeyi öğretiyordu: kültür, davranış, sadakat ve inanç. Onun anlattıkları toplumun her kesime yöneliktir.
İktidarı elinde bulunduranların kişisel çıkarlarını kamu yararının ve adaletin üstünde tutmalarıyla ortaya çıkan sosyal krizlere dikkat çeken Konfüçyüs, kamu bilincinin ve bireysel bilincin eğitimle ve bütünleştirici kültürel ideallerle 'yeniden-üretilebileceğini' savunur.
Bu kitapta I Ching tarafından bir araya getirilen deyişleri Thomas Cleary tarafından çevrilmiştir. Kitabın başında Konfüçyüs felsefesine dair genel bir bilgilendirme mevcut, geri kalanıysa tamamen onun 'iyi insanlar'ın özelliklerine dair deyişlerinden oluşuyor.
Okuldaki derslerde onun felsefesine ve sosyo-kültürel ve ekonomik etkilerine dair konular görmüştüm ve hoşuma giden bir yanı vardı. Lakin bu kitabı okumak pek hoşuma gitmedi. Çünkü ben böyle özlü söz tarzındaki öğüt içeren eserlerden çok hoşlanmıyorum, felsefesini metin şeklinde aktarmaları daha çok hoşuma giderdi. Bu yüzden düşük puan verdim. Ama bu tarz deyiş kitaplarına ve düşünce akımlarına ilgisi olanlar varsa göz atabilirler. Sağlıcakla kalın efenim!
Konfüçyüs Çin kültürünün en önemli sembollerinden birisidir. Filozof ve eğitmen olarak, ahlaki ve pratik konularına ilişkin deyişleri bulunmaktadır. Bakış açısı nedeniyle Doğu'nun Sokrates'i olarak anılmaktadır. Kendini bir anlatıcı olarak tanımlamaktadır. Temelde dört şeyi öğretiyordu: kültür, davranış, sadakat ve inanç. Onun anlattıkları toplumun her kesime yöneliktir.
İktidarı elinde bulunduranların kişisel çıkarlarını kamu yararının ve adaletin üstünde tutmalarıyla ortaya çıkan sosyal krizlere dikkat çeken Konfüçyüs, kamu bilincinin ve bireysel bilincin eğitimle ve bütünleştirici kültürel ideallerle 'yeniden-üretilebileceğini' savunur.
Bu kitapta I Ching tarafından bir araya getirilen deyişleri Thomas Cleary tarafından çevrilmiştir. Kitabın başında Konfüçyüs felsefesine dair genel bir bilgilendirme mevcut, geri kalanıysa tamamen onun 'iyi insanlar'ın özelliklerine dair deyişlerinden oluşuyor.
Okuldaki derslerde onun felsefesine ve sosyo-kültürel ve ekonomik etkilerine dair konular görmüştüm ve hoşuma giden bir yanı vardı. Lakin bu kitabı okumak pek hoşuma gitmedi. Çünkü ben böyle özlü söz tarzındaki öğüt içeren eserlerden çok hoşlanmıyorum, felsefesini metin şeklinde aktarmaları daha çok hoşuma giderdi. Bu yüzden düşük puan verdim. Ama bu tarz deyiş kitaplarına ve düşünce akımlarına ilgisi olanlar varsa göz atabilirler. Sağlıcakla kalın efenim!
January 17, 2010
This is Confucius (or at least Confusian) commentary of the symbols in the original Yi Ching (the oracular Book of Change). They order the book, but also serve as anchors for the confucian ethos. In this version, links between the themes in the commentary and sections in texts such as the Analects are given as well. The commentary describe the interplay of the natural forces that comprise the 'Gua' as an analogy on the structure of the symbol. In this way, the original authors are able to 'encode' the semantics of the concepts captured in the Gua. An important component of the Taoist / Complete Reality canon.
March 26, 2013
I very much enjoyed this book. It was a good gateway into the teachings of Confucius' teachings and has sparked an interest in learning more. In addition, just the act of reading it is calming when I am frustrated.
July 8, 2016
I found this work very interesting. I like the view that man is essentially good and that evil is an aberration. This is a short work that took him a long time to write. The views although more than 2500 years old were refreshing. It is a short book and my only complaint is I wanted more.
December 16, 2007
Confucius say... a lot worth considering, even in our times.
March 13, 2008
i want everyone to read this.
May 1, 2015
Short, simple and Zen.
January 3, 2020
Ahhh so helpful!! Very easy yet profound read & just what I was looking for - a good introduction to Confucian philosophy :)
March 22, 2023
A veritable mini power pack of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue preserved and translated for readers─but definitely not for a milquetoast opportunist.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews