The Analects of Confucius

The Analects of Confucius is a book based on the teachings of Confucius during his life and written by his followers after his death, which is considered the major contribution of Confucius to China and the world. As the title of the book literally means selected speeches, Analects is a collection of famous and influential Confucius sayings. It is believed that the book records some of the speeches that actually took place between Confucius and his disciples. The book was published during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and has two versions: the Qi version with 22 chapters and the Li version with 20 chapters. They are called Pyongyang Analect and Dingzhou Analect.

The Analects of Confucius influenced a lot of people in China and is still watched by many to this day. The philosophies of Confucius were not limited to a single subject. From social issues to his thoughts on how education can benefit humanity, Analects covers a wide range of topics including ethics and dignity. It is about following the right life that will eventually teach your followers and future generations about the same path. The teachings of Confucius can be seen as practical in a new way. He mainly talks about the rigor of maintaining an ethical lifestyle and acting in accordance with his beliefs. Although the words and ideas in Analects date back centuries, readers will find it interesting that they continue to be considered highly relevant today.