Analects

=The Analects= =Zhou Dynasty (1022-222 BCE)= Jessica Lu

The Analects, a collection of sayings of the Chinese philosopher and thinker, Confucius, was widely used during Chinese history. In this book it contains the 5 relationships, (Friend to Friend, Parent to Child, Husband to Wife, and Ruler to Subject.) Confucius believed in these 5 relationships strongly. The Analects were started in the Spring and Autumn period, and finished soon before the Warring States period by Confucius's many students and followers.

Born in 551 BCE during the Zhou dynasty in Qufu, (The State of Lu) Confucius was a very spiritual child. However, his youth was filled with sadness when his father died when he was three. His early jobs were working as a shepard, cowherd, clerk and bookkeeper. When he was 22, he opened his own school, teaching philosophy, government, and principles on life. Many people became inspired by his words, and his sayings traveled throughout China by word of mouth. When he was 23, his mother died, and Confucius went into 3 years of mourning. Some of the other themes in The Analects are rituals, filial piety, loyalty, and humaneness. Ritual- follow the etiquette of the earlier dynasties and include ceremonial behavior when referring to the politeness of everyday life. Filial Piety- you should have the respect like of a child to their parents towards anyone, living or dead. (your ancestors) Loyalty- the equivalent of filial piety, but between ruler and minister. Humaneness- treat others as you would treat yourself

However, it is debatable that Confucianism is or is not a religion; it is an ethical and philosophical system. One ruler, Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty used Confucianism as a political system to govern China, and turned China into a Confucian state. Even though Confucianism grew less popular by the Tang dynasty, it became a main practice of the Chinese in the many years to follow in the next two millenniums.

Even now, the Analects is a popular book, and many people still learn from Confucius’s wise words. After all, his students and disciples didn’t spend all that time writing for nothing!

To learn and at due times to repeat what one has learnt, is that not after all a pleasure? -Confucius (So answer these questions!)

1. What were some of Confucius’s first jobs? 2. What do the themes in the Analects have in common? 3. When were the Analects written?