Cover of The Wisdom of Confucius

The Wisdom of Confucius

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  • 4 hours to read
  • 47 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"The Wisdom of Confucius" by Confucius is a philosophical treatise written in ancient China around the 5th century BC. This work serves as a compilation of Confucius's teachings, focusing on ethics, morality, political philosophy, and personal conduct, which have significantly influenced Eastern thought and culture. Central to the text is Confucius himself, who is depicted as a guiding figure advocating for virtue, proper governance, and the importance of education and self-reflection for individuals. At the start of the text, we are introduced to the outline of Confucius's teachings, emphasizing the significance of learning and practicing knowledge, the necessity of filial piety, and the virtues of a good ruler. The opening portion showcases various sayings attributed to Confucius and his disciples, highlighting the importance of attitude, conduct, and moral duties towards family and society. Confucius reflects on the principles that govern human relationships and the foundational qualities needed for personal growth and effective leadership, setting the stage for further exploration of his wisdom throughout the work.

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  • Ethics · China
  • Philosophy, Chinese

Read the opening

Book V: Wan Chang: Part I 128

THE SHI-KING

Introduction 143

Part I. Lessons from the States.

[Books IV, V, and VI are omitted]

Part IV. Odes of the Temple and Altar.

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Contents

Show all 47 chapters
  1. Book V: Wan Chang: Part I 128
  2. Book I: On Learning — Miscellaneous Sayings
  3. Book II: Good Government — Filial Piety — The Superior Man
  4. Book III: Abuse of Proprieties in Ceremonial and Music
  5. Book IV: Social Virtue — Superior and Inferior Man
  6. Book V: A Disciple and the Golden Rule — Miscellaneous
  7. Book VI: More Characteristics — Wisdom — Philanthropy
  8. Book VII: Characteristics of Confucius — An Incident
  9. Book VIII: Sayings of Tsang — Sentences of the Master
  10. Book IX: His Favorite Disciple's Opinion of Him
  11. Book X: Confucius in Private and Official Life
  12. Book XI: Comparative Worth of His Disciples
  13. Book XII: The Master's Answers — Philanthropy — Friendships
  14. Book XIII: Answers on the Art of Governing — Consistency
  15. Book XIV: Good and Bad Government — Miscellaneous Sayings
  16. Book XV: Practical Wisdom — Reciprocity the Rule of Life
  17. Book XVI: Against Intestine Strife — Good and Bad Friendships
  18. Book XVII: The Master Induced to Take Office — Nature and Habit
  19. Book XVIII: Good Men in Seclusion — Duke of Chow to His Son
  20. Book XIX: Teachings of Various Chief Disciples
  21. Book XX: Extracts from the Book of History
  22. Part I
  23. Part I
  24. Introduction
  25. Book I: The Odes of Chow and the South
  26. Book II: The Odes of Shaou and the South
  27. Book III: The Odes of P[']ei
  28. Book VII: The Odes of Ch[']ing
  29. Book VIII: The Odes of Ts[']e
  30. Book IX: The Odes of Wei
  31. Book X: The Odes of T[']ang
  32. Book XI: The Odes of Ts[']in
  33. Book XII: The Odes of Ch[']in
  34. Book XIII: The Odes of Kwei
  35. Book XIV: The Odes of Ts[']aou
  36. Book XV: The Odes of Pin
  37. Book I: Decade of Luh Ming
  38. Book II: The Decade of Pih H'wa
  39. Book III: The Decade of T[']ung Kung
  40. Book IV: The Decade of K[']e-foo
  41. Book V: The Decade of Seaou Min
  42. Book VI: The Decade of Pih Shan
  43. Book VII: Decade of Sang Hoo
  44. Book VIII: The Decade of Too Jin Sze
  45. Book I: Decade of King Wan
  46. Book III: Decade of Tang
  47. Book I: Sacrificial Odes of Chow

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About this edition

This free edition of The Wisdom of Confucius by Confucius comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #33815, released 2010-09-27. 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.

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