Analects · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Analects by Confucius.

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Chapter 1
Book I: Hsio R
This opening chapter of the Analects establishes foundational Confucian principles: the joy of learning, the importance of filial piety and fraternal duty as roots of virtue, the value of sincerity and faithfulness in daily self-examination, and the proper conduct of rulers and individuals. It emphasizes the cultivation of character through learning, propriety, and association with the virtuous, and concludes with the ideal of not being distressed by others' lack of recognition but rather by one's own failure to know others.
Chapter 2
I
This chapter presents the words of Yâo, Shun, and T'ang, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, the due Mean, and virtuous governance. It also describes the exemplary rule of Châu, who restored order, revived states, and won the people's hearts through generosity, sincerity, activity, and justice.
Chapter 3
II
In this chapter, Confucius instructs Tsze-chang on the principles of good government, detailing the five excellent practices and the four bad practices that a ruler should adopt or avoid to govern properly.
Chapter 4
III
Confucius emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the ordinances of Heaven, acquaintance with the rules of Propriety, and knowing the force of words for becoming a superior man and understanding others.
Chapter 5
Chapter IV
Tsze-hsiâ observes that even menial studies and employments contain something worth examining, but pursuing them to remote extremes risks impracticality. Therefore, the superior man does not engage in such pursuits.

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Book I: Hsio R

I

II

III

Chapter IV