Four Books and Five Classics (Complete Set of 1 Volume, 8 Books)

Author: Yu Wenjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-08-01
Features: The Four Books and Five Classics are an important part of traditional Chinese culture, serving as the core of Confucian thought and a treasure trove of ancient Chinese historical and cultural texts. The Four Books and Five Classics encompass a vast and profound content, holding a significant position in the history of world culture and thought. They meticulously record the historical facts and influences of politics, military, diplomacy, and culture during the most vibrant period in the intellectual and cultural development of the Chinese nation, as well as the important philosophical ideas of Confucius and Mencius, which have shaped Chinese culture for thousands of years. Throughout history, the imperial examinations for selecting officials relied solely on the Four Books and Five Classics for question topics, demonstrating their crucial role in the principles of governance and the conduct of life. Even today, the content and philosophical thoughts recorded in the Four Books and Five Classics remain highly meaningful and valuable references for modern people. They have an immeasurable impact on social norms, interpersonal communication, and cultural development, influencing both domestic and international communities, benefiting generations to come. The Four Books and Five Classics are timeless masterpieces of Chinese culture and a shared heritage of human civilization.
The Great Learning (Spring and Autumn Period): Confucius' philosophy of the Great Learning emphasizes "illuminating virtue," "nurturing the people," and "reaching perfection." To achieve these three goals of self-cultivation, one must practice the eight steps in a progressive manner: "investigation of things," "acquisition of knowledge," "sincerity of intention," "rectification of the mind," "self-cultivation," "orderly governance of the family," "governing the state," and "peacefully governing the world."
The Analects (Spring and Autumn Period): In the eyes of the ancients, this book was regarded as a treasure for self-cultivation and governance. For over two thousand years, it has been revered as the sacred text of the Chinese people. It has had a profound and lasting impact on the course of Chinese history, earning the saying, "Half of the Analects can govern the world."
The Doctrine of the Mean (Spring and Autumn Period): Zisi believed that sincerity is the way of heaven, and the pursuit of sincerity is the way of humanity. The human mind is perilous, and the way of the mind is subtle. Only by being precise and unified can one faithfully uphold the mean.
The Mencius (Warring States Period): Mencius was one of the most influential Confucian scholars after Confucius, revered as the "Second Sage." The Tang Dynasty thinker Han Yu argued that the essence of Confucianism was passed down solely by Mencius, stating, "When Mencius passed away, the true tradition was lost," highlighting his significance.
The Book of Documents (Warring States Period): Confucius compiled the Book of Documents, the oldest and most complete historical text in China, which provides the most authentic records of China's primitive society, feudal society, and the early stages of the feudal system. It preserves extremely valuable historical materials from ancient times, holding great importance. Southern Song Dynasty scholar Cai Shen once wrote in the preface to his Collected Commentaries on the Book of Documents: "The great principles and laws of the world are all recorded in this book."
The I Ching (Shang Dynasty): Compiled by Jiang Chang, the I Ching was used by emperors to predict the rise and fall of dynasties, the length of reigns, officials to assess the fortune of their careers, and common people to determine their daily fortunes and misfortunes.
The Book of Songs (Spring and Autumn Period): Liang Qichao remarked, "Among the surviving pre-Qin classics, almost none are free from issues of authenticity. The Book of Songs stands out as the most trustworthy, with every word and line reliable."
The Book of Rites (Western Han Dynasty): Dai Sheng believed that everyone has desires, and competition leads to chaos, while propriety brings order. When rulers are benevolent, ministers are loyal; when fathers are kind, sons are filial; when brothers are friendly, younger brothers are respectful; and when husbands and wives respect each other, the world can be governed.
The Zuo Zhuan (Spring and Autumn Period): Zuo Qiuming timely proposed the themes of "the people are the masters of the gods" and "what the people desire, heaven must follow." He recorded and affirmed the "people-centered" ideas promoted by statesmen such as Zong Wen Gong, Zheng Zichan, and Qi Yan Ying. He boldly advocated and upheld the interests of the common people, emphasized the role of "human affairs," and dared to question the authority of "heaven," filled with the spirit of ancient democracy and humanistic values.