The Analects: Chinese-English Parallel Text

Author: Translated by: Wei Li (English) / et al. Editors: Yang Tian / et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: This book was written in the early period of the Warring States, and is a record of the thoughts and actions of Confucius, his disciples, and later scholars. The entire book consists of 20 chapters. The core idea of the Analects is "benevolence" (ren), which Confucius believed meant "loving others," often referred to as the "path of loyalty and forgiveness." However, the realization of "benevolence" must adhere to the norms of "ritual" (li), as "overcoming oneself and returning to ritual is benevolence." The Analects also reflect Confucius's political ideals of advocating moral governance and opposing harsh policies, as well as his educational philosophy of "teaching without discrimination" and "teaching according to aptitude." It also shows Confucius's skeptical attitude toward ghosts and superstitions. This English translation is based on meticulous and thorough research, making it a highly influential full English translation of the Analects.
Excerpt:
> [Original Text]
> 1.1 The Master said, "To learn and then frequently practice it—does this not bring joy? To have friends come from afar—does this not bring pleasure? To be unknown yet not resentful—does this not make one a gentleman?"
> 1.2 Zilu said, "A man who is filial and respectful to his elders but likes to provoke superiors is rare; a man who does not provoke superiors but likes to rebel is unheard of. A gentleman focuses on the root, and when the root is established, the way will grow. Filial piety and respect for elders—these are the roots of benevolence."
> 1.3 The Master said, "Flattering words and a smiling face—these are rarely seen in benevolence!"
> 1.4 Zengzi said, "I daily examine myself—whether I have been loyal in my dealings, whether I have been trustworthy in my friendships, and whether I have reviewed what I have learned from the Master."
> 1.5 The Master said, "To govern a state of a thousand chariots, one must be reverent in affairs, trustworthy, frugal, and loving of officials, and employ the people in their off-seasons [now translate].
> [Translated Text]
> 1.1 Confucius said, "After learning, to practice it at regular intervals—does this not bring joy? To have like-minded friends come from afar—does this not bring happiness? To be misunderstood yet not resentful—does this not make one a gentleman?"
> 1.2 Zilu said, "A person who is filial to his parents and respectful to his elder brothers but likes to provoke superiors is rare; a person who does not provoke superiors but likes to rebel is never seen. A gentleman focuses on the foundation, and when the foundation is established, the 'way' will emerge. Filial piety and respect for elder brothers—these are the foundation of benevolence!"
> 1.3 Confucius said, "Flattering words and a smiling, insincere face—such people rarely possess benevolence."
> 1.4 Zengzi said, "I daily reflect on myself—whether I have been loyal in my dealings, whether I have been trustworthy in my friendships, and whether I have reviewed the teachings of my Master."
> 1.5 Confucius said, "To govern a state of a thousand chariots, one must be serious in matters, trustworthy, frugal, and loving of officials, and employ the people during their off-seasons [now translate].
> 1.6 Confucius said, "Young people, at home be filial to their parents; outside be respectful to their elder brothers. Be cautious and trustworthy, love all people broadly, and be close to the benevolent. After practicing these virtues, if there is surplus strength, then study literature."
> 1.7 Zixia said, "To a wife, value virtue over appearance; in serving parents, exhaust all effort; in serving the ruler, risk one's life; in friendships, speak with integrity. Such a person, though not formally educated, I must call a learned one."
> 1.8 Confucius said, "A gentleman who is not dignified lacks authority; learning prevents stagnation. Be loyal and trustworthy. Do not associate with anyone who is not your equal in virtue."