The Analects Today (Chinese-English Parallel Translation)

Author: Yang Bojun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1993-03-01
Features: The title "The Analects" carries a specific meaning. According to the "Bibliography" in Ban Gu's Book of Han, "lun" means "to compile," and "yu" means "words." During his daily life and teaching, Confucius made many statements, and his disciples also recorded many of their own. "The Analects" refers to the compilation of these statements. In reality, what is recorded in The Analects is not limited to the words of Confucius and his disciples but also includes many of their social practices. In other words, the book records both words and actions. The Analects consists of twenty chapters, each composed of several sections. The arrangement of these chapters does not have any inherent connection. Even between consecutive chapters, there is little correlation. Moreover, the book frequently repeats sections with identical wording. Confucius's ideas have had a profound influence on Chinese history. After Emperor Wu of Han abolished the Hundred Schools of Thought and exclusively revered Confucianism, Confucius's ideas were established as supreme. His influence permeated every field of Chinese history.