Classic library

The Analects

The Analects (Lunyu) is the most important surviving record of the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples. Compiled over the centuries following Confucius's death in 479 BCE, it lays out a vision of personal cultivation, ethical governance, and the role of the virtuous individual in public life. James Legge's 1893 translation is the standard scholarly edition in English, notable for its precision and its extensive commentary bridging Chinese and Western philosophical traditions.

Chapter 1

Analects, Chapter 1: CHAPTER I. 1. The Master said, 'Is it not pleasant to learn with

Foundational teachings on learning, virtue, filial piety, and the superior man's qualities.

Chapter 2

Analects, Chapter 2: CHAP. I. The Master said, 'He who exercises government by

Teachings on government by virtue, filial piety as governance foundation, and the Master's life stages.

Chapter 3

Analects, Chapter 3: CHAP. I. Confucius said of the head of the Chi family, who had

On ritual propriety (li), harmony, and the importance of moral cultivation over legalistic control.

Chapter 4

Analects, Chapter 4: CHAP. I. The Master said, 'It is virtuous manners which

The virtue of benevolence (ren) and its central role in Confucian ethics.

Chapter 5

Analects, Chapter 5: CHAP. I. 1. The Master said of Kung-ye Ch'ang that he might

Character evaluations of disciples and contemporaries, illustrating virtue in practice.

Chapter 6

Analects, Chapter 6: CHAP. I. 1. The Master said, 'There is Yung!-- He might occupy

Teachings of Yan Hui and other disciples on virtue, learning, and self-cultivation.

Chapter 7

Analects, Chapter 7: CHAP. I. The Master said, 'A transmitter and not a maker,

The Master's teachings on self-cultivation, virtue, and the Way.

Chapter 8

Analects, Chapter 8: CHAP. I. The Master said, 'T'ai-po may be said to have

Teachings of Zeng Zi on self-reflection, filial piety and moral responsibility.

Chapter 9

Analects, Chapter 9: CHAP. I. The subjects of which the Master seldom spoke

The Master's humility, his relationship with disciples, and the transmission of the Way.

Chapter 10

Analects, Chapter 10: CHAP. I. 1. Confucius, in his village, looked simple and sincere,

The Master's daily conduct, rituals, and embodiment of propriety.

Chapter 11

Analects, Chapter 11: CHAP. I. 1. The Master said, 'The men of former times, in the

Discourses on the nature of the superior man, fate, and the divine order.

Chapter 12

Analects, Chapter 12: CHAP. I. 1. Yen Yuan asked about perfect virtue. The Master

On governing with virtue, cultivating the self, and the rectification of names.

Chapter 13

Analects, Chapter 13: CHAP. I. 1. Tsze-lu asked about government. The Master said,

The role of the superior man in government and the importance of personal cultivation.

Chapter 14

Analects, Chapter 14: CHAP. I. Hsien asked what was shameful. The Master said,

On integrity, persistence, and the qualities of the superior man in adversity.

Chapter 15

Analects, Chapter 15: CHAP. I. 1. The Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about

The Master's travels, his encounters, and teachings on universal benevolence.

Chapter 16

Analects, Chapter 16: CHAP. I. 1. The head of the Chi family was going to attack

Warnings against destructive influences and the importance of choosing companions wisely.

Chapter 17

Analects, Chapter 17: CHAP. I. 1. Yang Ho wished to see Confucius, but Confucius

On recognizing worthiness, the role of music in cultivation, and practical wisdom.

Chapter 18

Analects, Chapter 18: CHAP. I. 1. The Viscount of Wei withdrew from the court. The

The Master's encounters with recluses and his commitment to transforming the world.

Chapter 19

Analects, Chapter 19: CHAP. I. Tsze-chang said, 'The scholar, trained for public duty,

Discourses of Zeng Zi and other disciples on virtue and self-cultivation.

Chapter 20

Analects, Chapter 20: CHAP. I. 1. Yao said, 'Oh! you, Shun, the Heaven-determined

The final book, summarizing key themes and the transmission of the Way.