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The Sayings of Confucius

by Confucius (-551–-479)

  • Free to read
  • 2 hours to read
  • 21 chapters
  • Reading level: 5th grade

"The Sayings of Confucius" by Confucius is an ancient Chinese philosophical text compiled during the Warring States period (475–221 BC), achieving its final form during the mid-Han dynasty. This collection of sayings and ideas explores Confucius's vision for moral cultivation, beginning with filial piety and extending to virtuous leadership. Through concepts like ren (virtue), li (ritual propriety), and de (moral character), Confucius teaches how individuals can cultivate integrity and create a harmonious society. For over two millennia, these teachings have profoundly shaped East Asian thought and values.

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  • Philosophy, Chinese
  • Confucianism

Read the opening

Book I

1. The Master said, To learn and then do, is not that a pleasure? When friends come from afar do we not rejoice? To live unknown and not fret, is not that to be a gentleman?

2. Yu-tzu[2] said. Few men that are good sons and good brothers are fond of withstanding those over them. A man that is not fond of withstanding those over him and is yet fond of broils is nowhere found. A gentleman heeds the roots. When the root has taken, the Way is born. And to be a good son and a good brother, is not that the root of love?

[Footnote 2: A disciple.]

3. The Master said, Smooth words and fawning looks are seldom found with love.

4. Tseng-tzu[3] said, Thrice daily I ask myself: In dealing for others, have I been unfaithful? Have I been untrue to friends? Do I practise what I preach?

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Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Book I
  3. Book II
  4. Book III
  5. Book IV
  6. Book V
  7. Book VI
  8. Book VII
  9. Book VIII
  10. Book IX
  11. Book X
  12. Book XI
  13. Book XII
  14. Book XIII
  15. Book XIV
  16. Book XV
  17. Book XVI: 1. The Chi was about to make war on Chuan-yue.[141]
  18. Book XVII
  19. Book XVIII
  20. Book XIX
  21. Book XX[184]

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About this edition

This free edition of The Sayings of Confucius by Confucius comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #24055, released 2007-12-27. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Philosophy & Ethics, Religion/Spirituality.

Other editions: eBook #46389.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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