R42PRIMARYSOURCEHANDBOOK
from the Analects of Confucius
SETTING THE STAGEThe Analects (analect means “a selection”) is a short collection of
about 500 sayings, dialogues, and brief stories, that was put together over a period of many years
following Confucius’ death. The Analects presents Confucius’ teachings on how people should
live to create an orderly and just society. Over time, Confucian thought became the basis for the
Chinese system of government and remained a part of Chinese life into the 20th century.1.What kinds of behavior does Confucius talk
about in the Analects?
2.Do you think Confucius views human nature in
an optimistic or a pessimistic way? Explain your
opinion.
3.What does Confucius mean by reciprocity?4.What kind of person does Confucius seem to be?
5.Are the teachings in the Analects surprising in
any way? Explain.
6.Does Confucius seem more concerned with
individual behavior or with behavior toward
others?The Master [Confucius] said: “Don’t worry if people don’t recognize
your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.” (1.16)The Master said: “To study without thinking is futile [useless]. To think
without studying is dangerous.” (2.15)Lord Ji Kang asked: “What should I do in order to make the people
respectful, loyal, and zealous?” The Master said: “Approach them with
dignity and they will be respectful. Be yourself a good son and a kind
father, and they will be loyal. Raise the good and train the incompetent,
and they will be zealous.” (2.20)The Master said: “Authority without generosity, ceremony without
reverence, mourning without grief—these, I cannot bear to
contemplate.” (3.26)The Master said: “Don’t worry if you are without a position; worry lest
you do not deserve a position. Do not worry if you are not famous;
worry lest you do not deserve to be famous.” (4.14)The Master said: “Without ritual, courtesy is tiresome; without ritual,
prudence is timid; without ritual, bravery is quarrelsome; without ritual,
frankness is hurtful. When gentlemen treat their kin generously,
common people are attracted to goodness; when old ties are not
forgotten, common people are not fickle.” (8.2)Zingong asked: “Is there any single word that could guide one’s entire
life?” The master said: “Should it not be reciprocity? What you do not
wish for yourself, do not do to others.” (15.24)▲ Confucius