The Analects Today

Author: Li Zehou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-03-01
Features: As a modern interpretation of the original thoughts of Confucianism, The Analects Today expresses a dialogue between Li Zehou and Confucius. On one hand, Li Zehou revives Confucius, allowing his enduring vitality to speak to people; on the other hand, he responds to Confucius's questions in his unique way. For readers of this book, what is worth contemplating is not only Confucius's own thoughts but also the Confucius interpreted by Li Zehou. Li Zehou believes that the "principles," "rules," doctrines, and ideas propagated, disseminated, and argued in the book The Analects have been passed down through generations, deeply permeating China's political and educational system, social customs, psychological habits, and people's behaviors, thoughts, proverbs, and activities over the past two thousand years. It has become the norm and guide for regulating social activities and people's behaviors, and yet "the common people use it daily without realizing it." From culture to psychology, it not only greatly dominates and influences people's thoughts, understanding, and cognition but also acts on their emotions, imagination, and beliefs. It is the very "soul" of Chinese culture. Confucius and The Analects, representing Confucianism, have played an irreplaceable and paramount role in shaping the historical process of constructing the cultural psychological structure of Han Chinese. Because of its significance, Li Zehou has re-translated and annotated The Analects, and around the central question of how to read The Analects today, he has written his own comments, notes, and explanations, collectively titled "Records." They vary in length and quality; some discuss the text itself, some delve into philosophy; some offer opinions, some express grievances; some analyze issues in light of principles, and some take advantage of the topic for broader exploration. There is no fixed rule, and they are diverse in nature.