The Analects (Chinese-English Parallel Text)

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Features: The book was written in the early Warring States period 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" (), which Confucius believed meant "loving others," often referred to as the principle of "loyalty and reciprocity." However, the realization of "benevolence" must be guided by "ritual" (), as Confucius stated, "To subdue oneself and return to ritual is benevolence" (). The Analects also reflects 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 his skeptical attitude toward superstitions about ghosts and spirits. This English translation is based on meticulous and detailed research and is an influential full translation of The Analects. Excerpt:
[Original Text]
1.1 The Master said, "To learn and frequently practice what one has learned—is this not joy? When friends come from afar, is this not happiness? When others do not understand me, yet I do not resent it—is this not the mark of a gentleman?"
1.2 Zilu said, "A man who is filial and fraternal but likes to cause trouble is rare; a man who does not like to cause trouble but likes to rebel has never been seen. The superior man seeks the root; when the root is established, the way is born. Filial piety and fraternal respect—these are the root of benevolence."
1.3 The Master said, "He who uses smooth words and a smiling face has little benevolence."
1.4 Zengzi said, "I daily examine myself—whether I have been loyal in my dealings with others, whether I have been trustworthy in my dealings with friends, 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 act with reverence toward affairs and be trustworthy; economize and love the people; and employ the people in agriculture at the proper seasons."
[Translation]
1.1 Confucius said, "Having studied something, to practice it at regular intervals—is this not joy? When like-minded friends come from afar, is this not happiness? When others do not understand me, yet I do not resent it—is this not the mark of a gentleman?"
1.2 Zilu said, "A man who is filial and respectful to his elders but likes to cause trouble is rare; a man who does not like to cause trouble but likes to rebel has never been seen. The superior man focuses on the foundation; when the foundation is established, the way will emerge. Filial piety and respect for elders—these are the foundation of benevolence!"
1.3 Confucius said, "Those who use smooth words and a smiling face have little benevolence."
1.4 Zengzi said, "I daily examine myself—whether I have been loyal in my dealings with others, whether I have been trustworthy in my dealings with friends, whether I have reviewed what the Master has taught me."
1.5 Confucius said, "To govern a state of a thousand chariots, one must act with reverence toward affairs and be trustworthy; economize and love the people; and employ the people in agriculture at the proper seasons."
1.6 Confucius said, "Young people, when at home, be filial; when abroad, be respectful to their elders. Be cautious and trustworthy, love all people, and be close to those of benevolence. After practicing these virtues, if there is surplus strength, then study literature."
1.7 Zixia said, "To value virtue over appearance in a wife; to serve one's parents with all one's strength; to serve one's ruler with one's life; to be trustworthy in dealings with friends. Such a person, though they may say they have not studied, I must call them a scholar."
1.8 Confucius said, "A gentleman who is not dignified is not awe-inspiring; learning prevents stagnation. Be loyal and trustworthy. Do not make friends with those who are unlike you."