The Analects

Few individuals have shaped their country’s civilization more profoundly than Master Kong (Confucius, 551-479 BC). Compulsory reading in the later Imperial period for all who wished to enter the civil service of government, his sayings and those of his disciples form the foundation of a distinct social, ethical and intellectual system. They have retained their freshness and vigour throughout the two and a half millenia of their currency and they are still admired in today’s China. This translation includes explanatory notes and should be useful to anyone without prior knowledge of the Analects or with philosophical traditions.