The Analects I Read

Author: Lin Gongshun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Analects is a book compiled by the disciples of the Sage Confucius, recording his discussions with contemporaries and his students on matters of self-cultivation, governance, and peace. The title "Analects" was determined by Zheng Xuan of the Han Dynasty, who explained: "Zhonggong, Ziyou, Zixia, and others compiled and edited it. The term 'lun' (to discuss, to spin, to arrange, to compile) is used because the book weaves together worldly affairs, as 'spin' does; it is endless and revolves, hence 'revolve'; it contains all principles, hence 'principle'; its chapters are arranged in order, hence 'arrange'; and it was collectively compiled by the great scholars, hence 'compile.'" All these explain the meaning of 'lun.' As for 'yu' (speech), Zheng Xuan noted in the Rites of Zhou: 'To answer and discuss is called 'yu,' referring to the speech that responds to the arguments discussed.'... This book is very rich in content and highly flexible in form, covering major aspects such as literature, history, philosophy, life, and education, as well as numerous aspects of social life.