The Analects

A 1,000 page book which includes the original Chinese text, a translation, and commentaries.

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Citation

The Analects of Confucius by William Edward Soothill (Yokohama: Fukuin Printing Co, 1910).

The text is in the public domain.

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Mencius (Author)

Mencius was tutored by the grandson of Confucius and he soon became a leading expert in Confucian thought in his own right. Mencius believed he could help bring order by tutoring the princes of the various provinces. He instructed his pupils that a stable and happy society is one in which princes guard the well-being of the common people by promoting economic growth and education.
Lao Tzu (Author)

The semi-legendary founder of Daoism (or Taoism). His teachings are often contrasted with those of Confucius.

Mo Tzu (Author)

He was the founder of one of the classical schools of Chinese philosophy and was born around the time of Confucius’ death. An opponent of both Confucianism and Daoism, he was a strong proponent of egalitarianism.

Critical Responses

Article

Confucianism’s Piety Problem

David K. Schneider

Confucianism emphasized the obedience and uniformity, but not freedom and individuality as in the West. Confucius sought to restore the ancient and crumbling feudal order in China. While at the heart of the feudal order was a social and political hierarchy that demanded obedience and submission to…

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