Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Title doesn't reflect content
I was particularly interested in the Analects of Confucius, but the book only contained a synopsis. Some of the books published by these people are a really well done but others are just synopsis. That would be fine if it was notes as such. ... Read more

Product Description
"To quietly persevere in storing up what is learned, to continue studying without respite, to instruct others without growing weary--is this not me?"
--Confucius

Confucius is recognized as China's first and greatest teacher, and his ideas have been the fertile soil in which the Chinese cultural tradition has flourished. Now, here is a translation of the recorded thoughts and deeds that best remember Confucius--informed for the first time by the manuscript version found at Dingzhou in 1973, a partial text dating to 55 BCE and only made available to the scholarly world in 1997. The earliest Analects yet discovered, this work provides us with a new perspective on the central canonical text that has defined Chinese culture--and clearly illuminates the spirit and values of Confucius.

Confucius (551-479 BCE) was born in the ancient state of Lu into an era of unrelenting, escalating violence as seven of the strongest states in the proto-Chinese world warred for supremacy. The landscape was not only fierce politically but also intellectually. Although Confucius enjoyed great popularity as a teacher, and many of his students found their way into political office, he personally had little influence in Lu. And so he began to travel from state to state as an itinerant philosopher to persuade political leaders that his teachings were a formula for social and political success. Eventually, his philosophies came to dictate the standard of behavior for all of society--including the emperor himself.

Based on the latest research and complete with both Chinese and English texts, this revealing translation serves both as an excellent introduction to Confucian thought and as an authoritative addition to sophisticated debate.Amazon.com Review
There are more translations of Confucius' Analects thanyou can shake a stick at, but until now none have plumbed the depthsof Confucius' thinking with such a keen sensitivity to philosophicaland linguistic underpinnings. Following up on his groundbreaking workwith David Hall in Thinking ThroughConfucius, Roger Ames has teamed up with Henry Rosemont to puttheory into practice, portraying Confucius in light of hiscommunitarian leanings. In a translation that comes off assurprisingly relaxed and colloquial, gone are the adherence to strictrules of propriety and righteous moralizing. Confucius has long beenthe victim of a certain unwitting Christianization, having beeninterpreted through the lens of Western philosophicalassumptions. Ames and Rosemont scale away these assumptions, revealinga flexible and subtle thinker whose ideas of how to live well in aharmonious community have much to offer a fragmented society tied toreductive atomism and the exclusive exaltation of the individual.--Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Indeed a philosophical translation
I got to know this book thanks to my English teacher who studied, while he was at Hawaii, under Mr.Ames. The introduction part of this book is very compact; it is full of insights about the development and formation of Eastern philosophy, and also about how Eastern and Western philosophies tend to focus on different values. What the authors had continuously stressed throughout the introduction - that they translated this book by considering the uniqueness, or difference that Chinese language and culture have - is indeed permeated through the whole book, making it more faithful to the original than ever. The book was, notwithstanding that the 'analects' is such a classic, engaging and interesting. As an Asian myself, I could explore further into my personal interest in Eastern-Western comparitive philosophy, together with refreshing yet faithful translation of 'Lun yu'

A Good Read
Roger Ames and Henry Rosemont offer a new translation of this Chinese classic of Confucius.While I am not qualified to comment on the accuracy or integrity of the translation, Ames and Rosemont have explained and offered justifications for their translations quite thoroughly.The result is an informative version of this classic text attributed to Confucius.Heavily discussing the ethics of ritual propriety and the need to be a "junzi" or "exemplary person", Confucius believed in wisdom and the law of reciprocity (the "silver rule").Clearly he was concerned with preserving a moral tradition extracted from the collective understanding of the past.While parts of Ames and Rosemont's introduction are tedious and could be better written, overall they have made a valuable contribution to the understanding of Confucian thought.

excellent resource
What an excellent resource for Asian studies in general.The translation is great to compare with Lau et al. And the other material sheds light on previous interpretations of the text and context.

Very interesting, historical, and different from anything else
This is a nicely presented book, containing over 325 pages. The
graphics are well done (cover, and layout of the text within, including
the chinese original phrases, for those reading Mandarin). There's a lot
of footnotes in the back, stimulating further research, and backing up
the interpretations contained within, as well as an appendix with more
material, that is intended to add context to Confucius' outlook on
societal relationships and behavioral beliefs.

Next, I had to admit that each page has different scenarios of interaction
among people, or philosophical reflections, suchthat, for some, this
book is a cure for insomnia, no doubt. The fact that Europeans and North
Americans have not been taught to read the Chinese alphabet or the language, further beckons understanding.

Also, the 65 page introduction to the Analects is surely relevant
as the author justifies himself, of some choices in terminology as
compared to other translations and the works of previous tranlators.

A read here on Amazon didn't understand how an archeological find could
bring higher understanding of these classics from Ancient China. Well,
the answer resides in the manuscripts. Much like the Holy Bible was
discovered in several languages (Greek, and also near-Hebraic languages,
for example) the meaning of the texts and the final translation will
depend a lot on on the ability of the underlying language to express
human thought, and the scholar's ability to read it, understand it,
interpret it, and translate it for English speakers, no doubt.

For $10 and change, this is a not a bad work to own.

Sheds new light on Confucius
Confucius has been much maligned since he is perceived as wanting a static rigid society. This translation attempts to show that that is not really true. The translators and editors explain in the foreword that the Chinese language is dynamic, and therefore Confucius sayings does not reflect a static society, but rather a society in a constant flux. It does come out that Confucius will not tolerate revolution, but he does accept evolution. He is not preaching a static society, but rather that all development should build on the previous.
While he stresses the importance of ritual, he also hammers in that ritual must be combined with warmth, caring, and even humour. A more gentle, less rigid, Confucius appears in this translation.
Lastly, I think Confucianism relates to Daoism as Shaolin relates to t'ai ch'i (or Bruce Lee to Yang Cheng Fu): on is concerned with the external, and one with the internal. It is just a matter of which way you chose. Ones you have achieved mastery, there is no difference. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Try it
Not too bad. Some of the sayings make a lot of sense once you figure out the real meaning. ... Read more

Product Description
In this terse, brilliant translation, Simon Leys restores the human dimension to Confucius. He emerges a full-blooded character with a passion for politics and a devotion to the ideals of a civilization he saw in decline. Leys's Notes draw Confucius into conversation with the great thinkers of the Western tradition. In all, this volume provides new readers the perfect introduction to a classic work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Great translation!
The biggest thing with this translation is the readability factor.Simon Leys did a good job putting it in a way that was easy to read and understand.Although the Analects is only the first half the book.The second half are all the notes that talk about the translation, who this person was, what this reference means in the cultural context, ect.That way if you get curious, you can check on your own.

All-in-all, It's a great translation for beginners and good translation for intermediate readers of Confucius.If your looking for more of a direct scholarly based translation, look elsewhere.

A look at Confucius
Confucius was born in approximately 551 B.C. Considered by many as a master; he was a teacher and political advisor in pre-imperial China. He lived in a time of transition. He saw his world sinking into violent behavior and barbarity. Confucius believed that he was chosen by Heaven to become the spiritual heir to the Duke of Zhou who had established a universal feudal order five hundred years before him, unifying the civilized world. In addition to his interest in politics, Confucius was also skilled at outdoor activities, such as handling horses and archery and was fond of hunting and fishing. While he is best known as a teacher, Confucius' true occupation was politics. He advised government officials on foreign affairs, diplomacy, finances, administration, and defense.

In his introduction to the book, Simon Leys writes, "The Analects is the only place where we can actually encounter the real, living Confucius. In this sense, the Analects is to Confucius what the Gospels are to Jesus." Confucius promoted humanist ethics and the universal brotherhood of man, inspiring many nations. Chinese emperors have promoted the official cult of Confucius for more than two thousand years. It became a sort of state religion. The Analects became the spiritual foundation of the Chinese world. This classic book gives the reader an understanding and appreciation of a philosophy that has survived throughout the ages and is just as pertinent today as it was when it was written.

The word analects is defined as a collection of excerpts from a literary work.The Analects of Confucius are a collage of short dialogues, anecdotes and brief statements, mostly attributed to Confucius. Some of the statements are attributed to his disciples or rulers of the time. They were compiled around 400 B.C., about seventy years after Confucius' death, by two consecutive generations of his disciples and became what is considered the teachings of Confucius. The general intent of the text is to aid the reader in self-improvement so that the one might become a moral example for others. One might find the proper way to live and behave by practicing various virtues, thereby becoming a humane person or a gentleman. Confucius says that humanity is an accomplishment; one is not born humane, but one must learn to become so. Another definition of humanity is to love others. The practice of ritual action is the best way to express one's human kindness. Ritual action is not limited to state and religious functions, but covers the spectrum of human behavior.The book is organized into two parts. The first part contains the quotes of Confucius and others. The second part contains notes written by Simon Leys that explain words and concepts presented.

Perhaps the true strengths of The Analects of Confucius are evident in the examination of the Confucian themes. The ideas of ethical behavior, moral conviction, self-improvement through education have stood the test of time and are evident in many other religions. As one reads the dialogues and anecdotes of this master, one gets the impression that he is speaking about the very problems of our day. The Analects are intended for an audience seeking, what Confucius called, "the supreme virtue of humanity." In that sense, the book is intended for all of us.

Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr.
Freelance Writer
Author of For the Fatherland

An anthology
This book is delightful, irritating, and utterly sui generis; the personality of its author is on every page.As a translation it is sometimes inspired--Leys has a knack for avoiding the very un-Chinese verbiage with which Lau and, sometimes, the generally superior Dawson clutter their lines.But it cannot be relied upon as a translation.In the first book the words "Rich but loving ritual" become "Rich but considerate."Ritual (li) is one of the great themes of the Analects and it is either dishonest or shockingly clumsy to conceal its key presence in this important passage.At other times we descend from translation to mere paraphrase: "a state of a thousand chariots" becomes "a medium-sized state".I often found myself wishing that Leys had taken to heart Dawson's words: "I do feel that one should get as close to the original as possible....I do not think that it is entirely virtuous to produce a version which reads as if it were written at the end of the twentieth century."

The notes, to the degree that they comment on the text itself or on the translation choices, are illuminating only for someone who has read other translations and has something to compare them to.But what quickly becomes apparent is that, under the guise of a translation with notes, what we have here is something like an anthology.Borges, Pascal, Stendhal, C. S. Lewis, Marcus Aurelius, Nietzsche, even Pancho Villa and many others are given long and full quotes.Sometimes they shed light on the original.Sometimes there is only a tangential relationship; one gets the impression that Leys was simply reminded of something and decided to share it, as in a conversation.They are always very interesting: this is the delight of the book.It is as if a select dinner-party full of eccentrics and geniuses were having the Analects read aloud to them and invited to comment freely.Clearly we cannot recommend this version for someone new to Confucius!If you've never read Confucius before, you want to get into the China of the fifth century B.C. and stay there for a while, not constantly get pulled back into modern Europe.There is some danger that these quotes will shed too much of their own kind of "light" back onto the Analects--which is a very elliptical, minimal, suggestive text--and that the new reader's mind will come permanently to associate some of the ideas of, say, Pascal with those of Confucius.But if you are already familiar with Confucius (preferably through at least two or three other translations) and if you have a healthy interest in and knowledge of Western civilization, this book, taken for what it is, will be a delight.

A couple of reviewers have commented on the anti-gay prejudice which comes up, I believe, twice in the notes.These passages really do vitiate the work.It is not only the prejudice itself; after all a good dish needs some spice and Leys is entitled to his opinion.But the whole issue is so obviously foreign to the Analects, the passages in which it comes up strike so discordant a note, that one wonders what they were doing here.And they are not, even in themselves, good or interesting: the ideas are banal and the tone verges on the mean-spirited.Leys constantly writes as if he were taking a friend into his confidence, and assumes that the intelligent friend will feel the same way he does.He gets away with this because his views are generally intelligent and because usually there is some fig-leaf of connection to the Analects to support it.But in these and a few other passages we are suddenly pulled up short by the realization that it is not wisdom but mere cantankerousness that we have on display.It is bad style, bad taste.

I am giving this three stars because it is being sold as a translation of the Analects and that is what, as a translation, it deserves.As an anthology of quotes suggested by the Analects it might get five stars, with perhaps one taken out for the fault mentioned above.

If you have never read Confucius and are looking for a good introductory translation, I recommend Raymond Dawson's.

An excellent resource
The Analects of Confucius. Published by MobileReference (mobi)

This translation is a pleasure to read for both its language and its profundity. I would consider it a first choice for anyone serious in studying the analects. Great ebook!

philosophical masterpiece
The Analects of Confucius. Published by MobileReference (mobi)

Perhaps the best introduction to the Confucian philosophy. Confucius' core teachings are a great choice for the readers starting to explore Asian spiritual traditions. This is an excellent ebook! I highly recommend it.
... Read more

Product Description
"Fascinating...clearly stated, interesting and provoking.... A plainspoken account of living in Asia."--San Francisco Chronicle

Anyone who has heard his weekly commentary on NPR knows that T. R. Reid is trenchant, funny, and deeply knowledgeable reporter and now he brings this erudition and humor to the five years he spent in Japan--where he served as The Washington Post's Tokyo bureau chief.He provides unique insights into the country and its 2,500-year-old Confucian tradition, a powerful ethical system that has played an integral role in the continent's "postwar miracle."

Whether describing his neighbor calmly asserting that his son's loud bass playing brings disrepute on the neighborhood, or the Japanese custom of having students clean the schools, Reid inspires us to consider the many benefits of the Asian Way--as well as its drawbacks--and to use this to come to a greater understanding of both Japanese culture and America.
Amazon.com Review
Despite setbacks, the economic "miracles" achieved by manyAsian countries in the latter 20th century have been impressive. Thisentertaining and thoughtful book invites the reader to consider EastAsia's other miracle: its dramatically low rates of crime, divorce,drug abuse, and other social ills. T.R. Reid, an NPR commentator andformer Tokyo bureau chief for the Washington Post, lived inJapan for five years, and he draws on this experience to show how thecountries of East Asia have built modern industrial societiescharacterized by the safest streets, the best schools, and the moststable families in the world.

Reid credits Asia's success to the ethical values of Chinesephilosopher Confucius, born in 551 B.C., who taught the value ofharmony and the importance of treating others decently. This is not anew perception--Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore and others have ratherheavy-handedly invoked it to claim moral superiority over theWest--but the author's vivid anecdotes strengthen itsrelevance. Public messages constantly remind Asian citizens of theirresponsibilities to society. To enhance a sense of belonging, civicceremonies encourage individuals' allegiance to a greater good; acrossJapan, for example, April 1 is Nyu-Sha-Shiki day, when corporationsofficially welcome new employees, most of whom remain loyal to theircompany for life. Citing Malaysia's ideas of a "reverse Peace Corps,"Reid sees a case for Asians coming to teach the West in the same waythat Westerners have evangelized in Asia for over fourcenturies. --John Stevenson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

East Meeting West, and all the Rest
J picked this paperback up for me during her business trip in the U.S., due in part for her own interest in it, but also because we both had enjoyed Reid's informal talks with Bob Edwards on NPR's Morning Edition where he often provided a great first-hand view of an ex-patriate. Since we've been in that position for just a little over 18 months now, she thought I would find Reid's view of what the East gets right, and gets wrong, interesting. And I did. Reid is clear in his thesis, which may have aged somewhat since the book was written in the late 90s and thus doesn't cover some of the world changes that have occurred since. The background idea, that Asia is rapidly coming into its own and displacing the 20th century to make the 21st century the Asian century, is hard to refute. Reid's thesis, however, that this is due to a philosophy born out of Confucian thought, is a little tougher to follow, although he provides plenty of examples, both anecdotal and statistical.

The best thing about the book, however, is that Reid adopts a Japanese idea and points out the flaws in his own theory in an afterward (an atogaki). This is where I understood what was bugging me the most about the book, and that is trying to define Asia as a homogenous group. My personal perspective, having lived in Malaysia and visited (albeit too briefly for many of these places) other Asian locations, is that while some shared perspective is present, there's a lot more cracks in the impenetrable front that is often portrayed within and without the region. Malaysia, in particular, has a schizophrenia from its mixed racial identity and the growth of Islamic economic power. Reid, at one point, quotes a Chinese Malaysian as saying the affirmative action put in place to bring the Malay population out of poverty (in comparison to the Chinese population) was not perfect, but necessary for the culture, might still be said today, but that commentator would also say that it is time to change that affirmative action to one based on income, rather than race, as the ongoing New Economic Plan is increasingly seen as a racial divider rather than one that is actually improving race relations.

Finally, the other nice point that Reid emphasizes is that Confucian thought is actually not that far different from Christian teaching, with the golden rule of "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" expressed as "Do not impose on others what you do not want for yourself." He then proceeds to make connections between other Judeo-Christian and Classical ethical guidance and Confucius, coming to the conclusion that, in a nutshell, ethics = ethics, in all languages and cultures. The difference may lie in how much individuals are willing to concede to groups, and vice versa (i.e., where are the commons, or where does your face end and my fist begin?).

More Nihonjinron
The author seems to have done little investigation into all of the forces at work in Japanese society. He simply regurgitates the Nihonjinron stereotypes that make discourse on Japan all the more difficult.

Low crime? Sure. On the other hand did he once mention the abhorrent practices of police brutality, forced confessions, broken kneecaps and busted skulls, 98% conviction rates, no habeas corpus, fudging of crime statistics and prison conditions that essentially amount to death sentences?

Low divorce rate? Until recently women were not entitled to a dime of their husbands money upon divorce. Now that they are, divorce rates are skyrocketing.

Contrary to what the author claims, Japan is not a homogeneous and harmonious society as any educated sociologist specializing in Japan knows. There are very distinct regional cultures, generational differences and dialects which greatly influence people's eating habits, language, thought patterns, housing styles, culturally influenced behavior etc...

There are great income and educational disparities. Minority, ethnic and gender issues DO exist however they often do not receive the attention from the media that they might elsewhere. One reason may be that Japan's freedom of the press is very low in comparison with other developed nations and groups fighting hard battles for recognition and rights are too often swept under the rug and ignored.

Any half-educated economist could tell you the real ECONOMIC factors that were behind Japan's boom and why it was not based upon Confucianism and "Asian Values". Lifetime employment is dying because companies found out the hard way that it does not work. There have been massive layoffs and a growing unemployment rate.

I could go on for pages citing realities and facts that contradict all of Reid's laughable stereotypes.

Asia has just as many problems as the west. They are equally as complex and difficult to solve. There is no Confucian quick-fix and anyone who says there is is seriously deluded.

Before making sweeping generalizations about the 120 million varied and diverse inhabitants of the islands of Japan, Reid needs to take a closer look at not only the omote (surface), tatemae (facade), and soto (outward) phenomenon of Japanese society (already covered in Japanese and foreign media ad nauseam), but its more intricate ura (undersurface), honne (true intentions), and uchi (inner) undercurrents.

If you are looking for a real balanced and objective view of Japanese society that neither overly-praises or degrades it, check out Yoshio Sugimoto's "An Introduction to Japanese society" which is a work that is actually based in reliable evidence, research, and solid conclusions.

This was mostly good,informative, and often funny.
I enjoyed this book.A lot of facts, a lot of social commentary, politics, predictions, and history.I most enjoyed the author's stories of his family's adventures and misadventures in Shibuya, Tokyo. I skimmed about ten percent of this book, because there were some things that just didn't interest me. Also it starts a little slow and boggy, but stick with it and you'll learn a lot and laugh a lot too.

Refreshing! Its fun to read Reid!
Refreshing! Like a cool summer breeze. It's not only fun to read but also informative. It's about Reid's journey to the East with his very western background and family. Be careful! One will experience bursts of laughter while reading this book. Its also about Confucius and its contagious - I could not stop reading it. So, grab a copy! And enjoy it with a cup of Coffee or Tea!

The Ethical System....
Many books on Japan or Asia deal in the military or the schools or the business point of view when dealing with that region of the world.The author decided to deal with the ethics, the ideals and codes of behavior passed down from Confucius.The ideals of respect, group unity and just plain manners.He uses it to try to explain why, for example, when there are problems with the economy there are no links to crime or unemployment.Why?In America and Europe one is always linked to the other.
This book is a must for anybody interested in Asian history, Japanese culture or how Confucius works on a daily level. ... Read more

Product Description
Few individuals have shaped their country's civilization more profoundly than the Master Kong, better-known as Confucius (551-479 BC).His sayings and those of his disciples form the foundation of a distinct social, ethical, and intellectual system.They have retained their freshness and vigor throughout the two and a half millennia of their currency, and are still admired even in today's China.
This lively new translation offers clear explanatory notes by one of the foremost scholars of classical Chinese, providing an ideal introduction to the Analects for readers who have no previous knowledge of the Chinese language and philosophical traditions. ... Read more

Product Description
The Analects of Confucius is one of the central books of Chinese literature and Chinese thought; memorized and studied for many centuries, it has been certainly one of the most influential books in world history. There are many translations of this rewarding but difficult work. Arthur Waley -- the translator of the Tale of Genji, of a vast body of Chinese poetry, and of many other classics of Oriental literature and thought -- brings to this translation his great gifts as a scholar and a writer, and has produced what is without question the best version in English of the Analects. A full introduction gives the social and political background of this work, analyses of key terms in Chinese thought that are prominent in it, and a careful study of the history of the book and its interpretations. There are also full notes illuminating the references to contemporary events and clarifying obscure passages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Difficult Read for one not familiar with Chinese history and culture
I have been going through some of the classics of eastern philosophy and religion and I found myself surprised at how difficult this book was to get through compared with some of the other's that I have read.To truly understand this book, one needs to be steeped in ancient Chinese history and culture.Without the introduction, appendices and footnotes, it would have been nearly impossible to know what was going on.

I did glean several great principles from this book, but there was also more commentary on the importance of cultural practices and position than I anticipated.I do realize that cultural practices are important, but I expected a more global set of principals as in the "Tao Che Ching".

I also recognize that in order to fully understand what I read; I need to do a lot more study of the topic of Confucianism.I gained a lot from reading this book, but feel that I can gain a lot more if I put more effort into understanding the context.

I can't comment on the translation, since this is the only one that I have read.I feel it was adequate and I thought that the additional material was helpful and necessary.

Took 5 days before being shipped
Took extremely long to be shipped out, and did not respond to queries or concerns pertaining to the book being shipped. I requested a refund because it took so long to come but they said the book had already been shipped. . .

Great Item
This item that I purchased was in a very good condition. It is a great book and I would recommend it for someone else.

A Classic of Philosophy
This is a classic translation of one of the world's philosophical masterpieces.As a fairly old translation (1938), it is a bit dryer than what one is used to reading these days when it comes to translations of Chinese classics.However, the commentary by Waley is invaluable for first time readers.In particular, his guidance on which sections of the Analects are most likely to be closest to their source and which sections are later additions is a must-read.Without this, a first-time reader may have difficulty sorting through the fairly dense text.

My only complaint about this volume is the way the footnotes are handled.They are printed at the bottom of the page, which in itself is not so bad, but the problem is that practically every other sentence has a footnote.Since the footnotes are right there on the page, it is a reader's tendancy to read them as they come up.This really breaks the flow of reading, and it becomes difficult to maintain a stream of thought with all the interruptions.It would have been much better if the footnotes were put at the end of the book, so that the reader could focus on the text itself and only look at the footnotes when absolutely necessary. However, if you like the footnotes to be at the bottom of the page, then you shouldn't have any problem with this.

The footnotes will kill ya.
This is, perhaps, the dryist, most obvious (i.e., the golden rule) philosophy you'll ever read, and the non-stop footnotes adorning almost every sentence will make you want to throw this book out the nearest window. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than two thousand years, Confucius has been an inseparable part of China's history. Yet despite this fame,Confucius the man has been elusive. Now, in The Authentic Confucius, Annping Chin has worked through the most reliable Chinese texts in her quest to sort out what is really known about Confucius from the reconstructions and the guesswork that muddled his memory.

Chin skillfully illuminates the political and social climate in which Confucius lived. She explains how Confucius made the transition from court advisor to wanderer, and how he reluctantly became a professional teacher as he refined his judgment of human character and composed his vision of a moral political order. The result is an absorbing and original book that shows how Confucius lived and thought: his habits and inclinations, his relation to the people of the time, his work as a teacher and as a counselor, his worries about the world and the generations to come.

In this book, Chin brings the historical Confucius within our reach, so that he can lead us into his idea of the moral and to his teachings on family and politics, culture and learning. The Authentic Confucius is a masterful account of the life and intellectual development of a thinker whose presence remains a powerful force today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

an introduction to a great man
The Authentic Confucius is a good introduction to Confucius, his heroes, his followers, and the political climate that existed at the time. Annping Chin attempts to separate fact from fantasy in Kongfuzi's life as recorded in historical records and through the eyes of his disciples and biographers. Though she leans heavily on the Analects, she also uses many texts, especially the Zuo Commentary, and the work of Sima Qian, an imaginative ancient biographer, to give context to some of the Analects' more controversial or fascinating episodes. If you're familiar with the Analects, you may find the different perspectives she presents interesting.
For people who know a little about Kongfuzi from the Analects, one or two other biographies, or from Wikipedia, The Authentic Confucius is an illuminating text.
Those of you that have made a long study of Kongfuzi may find some value in the disparate accounts she digs from various sources. With a bibliography of over seven pages long, her list of sources may also be helpful to you.

A Superb Book for Western Readers Who Want to Understand a Major Thread in Asian Culture
Confucius' influence has endured for nearly 2,500 years at the heart of Chinese culture, even though his light occasionally has been eclipsed by various political and cultural movements. InChina, Annping Chin points out, he is simply known as "the first teacher."

Just as the figure of Jesus is reinterpreted in each new age -- and there's vigorous debate among Christians and non-Christians over Jesus' life and teachings to this very day -- Confucius also is the target of continual scholarly reinterpretation.

Chin points out that two large caches of ancient manuscripts that relate to Confucius' legacy, which were discovered in 1993, are sparking readjustments in our modern understanding of that legacy. Plus, after a condemnation of Confucian thought as recent as the 1970s in China, his influence is rising again in his homeland.

In her book, she points out that, once again, Chinese government funding is available for scholarly conferences on the Confucian tradition -- an official move with complex interconnections to the current cultural mix in China. Ping has been part of all of this unfolding reinterpretation, traveling widely in China, examining the new manuscripts, attending at least one of these major scholarly conferences.

That's why it's so important to select a recent book like this, published in 2007, in exploring Confucius and his ongoing importance as a spiritual and cultural figure. Books published in other eras spoke to other historical windows into his life and significance.

Chin's work is respected among scholars and she writes with one eye on this elite audience. But, if you're a general reader in this field, you're likely to find this a very helpful book in understanding the "real" Confucius. Ping works hard in this book to limit her overview of his life, work and influence to hard facts attributable to original sources. In other words, this isn't a fanciful "legends of Confucius" treatment.

This means that opening chapters of the book are a little challenging for general readers. In those chapters, Ping works through some of the more complex political situations Confucius faced as a philosopher-for-hire in the service of powerful rulers in his era. But the middle of the book opens up as a fascinating look of his teachings. Plus, Ping's accounts of his followers' distinctive characters and adventures make for flat-out fun spiritual reading.

Her closing chapters look at some of the ways Confucius' body of work was used -- and reinterpreted and sometimes even abused -- in other eras. That's also a very interesting section of her book, especially for Christian readers in the West who are familiar with the many ways that Jesus' teachings bounced through similar waves of reinterpretation down through the centuries. This tendency to human re-interpretation of spiritual sages seems to be a universal yearning.

This is an all-around excellent book for Western readers -- a superb choice as a book to help Westerners understand a major spiritual thread in Asian culture to this day.

The Sage
A fine book on what is now reasonably thought to be known of the great teacher, Confucius. The author, Annping Chin, writes with clarity and authority on a still revered figure, whose actual life to most is lost in a mythical haze.

People interested in China, ethical living, and governmental theory would profit from this biographical study.

Wisdom concerning how "the superior man" should live
Confucius, whose family name was Kong and given name was Qiu (551-479 B.C.) was a philosopher, humanist, teacher, and political theorist whose ideas were collected by his disciples in "The Analects of Confucius" and elsewhere.

Annping Chin, who teaches in the History Department at Yale University, has done admirable and extensive research into the most reliable Chinese texts, seeking to make sense of the reconstructions and guesswork that has muddled Confucius' memory.

But what can we really know about Confucius, who lived five centuries before the birth of Christ, aside from embellishments and conflicting stories concocted by his disciples? (Indeed, what can one know about Socrates other than what Plato (and a few scattered sources) reports concerning him, or of Jesus apart from what the Evangelists claim he said and did?). Did not Plato, the Gospel Writers, and the disciples of Confucius "put words into the mouth" of their heroes?

Confucius often taught in baffling paradoxes that lead to various interpretations. Moreover, linguistic and cultural barriers may prove challenging for Western minds seeking to grasp the nuances and subtleties of his thought.

In his essay, "On the Study of Latin," the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer wrote, "A man's thought varies according To the language in which he speaks." One worries that "something is lost in translation" from the ancient Chinese dialect in which Confucius spoke, and wonders if the Western thinker is on the same wave length as "the inscrutable Oriental mind."

A few of Confucius' aphorisms, however, ring true, as when he is reputed to have said, "Do not impose on others what you do not desire yourself" or, as it is sometimes translated (or paraphrased), "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself." Some scholars assert that Confucius' "Silver Rule" is superior to Jesus' "Golden Rule" ("Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.") Their reason for such a judgment is that what one person might want done to himself, another person might not want done to him! Confucius' "negative" formulation seems akin to the Hippocratic oath: "First do no harm."

Confucius also said, "The superior man practices virtue. To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue. [They are] gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness." Although, while serving briefly in the political arena, Confucius once ordered that a man be put to death (which, because of the man's criminal conduct, was probably deserved), the general tenor of Confucius' life and teachings is that of a caring and compassionate human being . . . and the world would be a much better place if there were more people in it like Confucius.

On the subject of teachers, Confucius said, "Even when walking in the company of two men, I am bound to find my teachers there. Their good points, I try to emulate; their bad points, I try to correct in myself."

No revolutionary, Confucius had a deep respect for the wisdom of antiquity, and considered his mission to help preserve the world from chaos and disorder. Teaching the virtues of benevolence and reciprocity, he strove to "keep the idea of the moral within human reach."

A surprising result of Annping Chin's revelation concerning Confucius is that he was involved deeply in the rough and tumble side of politics. His plunge into politics was necessary, he believed, for to be "immaculate," one has be able "to withstand black dye." Morality, he believed, cannot be insulated from politics and society.

Chin shows that Confucius was human, a man who made mistakes and could be duped. People did not always trust him, thinking his pursuit or the moral life was futile and Quixotic. Yet he persisted in listening, learning, and teaching the way of "the gentleman" and "the superior man." His lifelong pilgrimage was a quest for living a life of benevolence, kindness, and square dealings with others.

Annping Chin studied mathematics at Michigan State University and received her PhD in Chinese Thought from Columbia University. She was on the faculty at Wesleyan University and currently teaches in the History Department at Yale University, where her fields of study include Confucianism, Taoism, and the Chinese intellectual tradition. She is the author of Children of China: Voices from Recent Years and Four Sisters of Hofei. She has also coauthored, with Mansfield Freeman, Tai Chen on Mencius, and with Jonathan Spence, The Chinese Century: A Photographic History of the Last Hundred Years. ... Read more

Product Description
This edition goes beyond others that largely leave readers to their own devices in understanding this cryptic work, by providing an entrée into the text that parallels the traditional Chinese way of approaching it: alongside Slingerland's exquisite rendering of the work are his translations of a selection of classic Chinese commentaries that shed light on difficult passages, provide historical and cultural context, and invite the reader to ponder a range of interpretations. The ideal student edition, this volume also includes a general introduction, notes, multiple appendices—including a glossary of technical terms, references to modern Western scholarship that point the way for further study, and an annotated bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A superior translation of the Lun Yu
This translation of the Lun Yu (Analects) of Confucius is the best on the market. The combination of a sophisticated translation, commentary that is not to be found elsewhere in English, and the author's own thoughts on the texts make this my daily use translation.

A New Translation with Traditional Commentary
Slingerland's translation of Confucius' Analects is a helpful addition to the current literature on the subject.Destined to be used for college student, Slingerland gathers a number of traditional commentaries on each translated verse as well as giving a helpful glossary of Chinese terms and names of person referred in the text.While I personally would prefer D.C. Lau's translation, Slingerland's prose is quite good and less cumbersome than Ames and Rogermont's philosophical translation.This is a helpful introduction to Confucian thought for English-language reader.

confusing reviews
None of these reviews relate to the Slingerland edition of Analects, which is the best around. ... Read more

Product Description
Confucius is the one thinker most influential and instrumental in informing the Chinese tradition. The Analects, which is a record of the words and teachings of Confucius, is considered the most reliable source of Confucius' teachings. However, as he was looked upon as the founder of the Confucius school, his thought tended to be approached through the eyes of the Confucianists of a later age, particularly the Neo-Confucianists of the Song dynasty. This inevitably results in distortion of the original meaning. In this monumental translation by Professor D. C. Lau, an attempt has been made to interpret the sayings as they stand. The corpus of the sayings is taken as an organic whole and the final test of the interpretation rests on the internal consistency it exhibits. In other words, The Analects is read in the light of The Analects. It is hoped that this gives a truer understanding of Confucius' thought than the traditional interpretation and paves the way for a re-assessment of its importance in the history of Chinese thought and its relevance to the present day world. This volume also contains an introduction to the life and teachings of Confucius, and three appendices on the events in the life of Confucius, on his disciples, and on the composition of The Analects. Complete with both Chinese and English texts, this classic translation is an authoritative interpretation of Confucius' thought. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

An intriguing read
I found this to be a fascinating book because it presents a perspective on social morality and the obligations constructed around having a family and a duty to the society you live in. I'm not sure if the translation is as accurate as it could be and there were times where the subtlety of the subject matter escaped me, likely because I'm not from china nor do I really have an accurate understanding of the culture in Confucius's time, let alone present time. Still, I found this book fascinating because it presents a different perspective on social responsibility and morality toward the people we interact with. I highly recommend reading it as an opportunity to expand your horizons both culturally and for social responsibility.

"It is more difficult not to complain of injustice when poor than not to behave with arrogance when rich."
I have actually read The Analects before, as a student. Then, as now, I was attracted to a philosophy that did not hold out a reward of eternal salvation as the basis for establishing common morality. You should be a good person because it is effective and desirable. Nothing more. At one point in the Analects, Confucius mocks someone who wants to know about death when in his opinion the person knows nothing at all about life. I like that.

It is always interesting (at least to me) rereading something that I initially read many years ago and which has meant something serious to me on both readings. I am certainly better equipped to understand this now then I was 19 years ago. I am emotionally and intellectually better suited to appreciate the ideas. On the other hand, reading it as part of a class and as a student gave me what I am sure was a much better framework for placing the work against history and context. This was one of those books where I longed to take a class to go with the reading/digesting of the text. I am frustratingly sure that I have missed quite a bit, and that both background and discussion would have been useful.

The Introduction was actually rather helpful, in this case. D.C. Lau did a really able job of setting the stage for the reading. I had read Mencius two years ago and distinctly remember being frustrated by the introduction. I found it absolutely useless as a non-expert reader. I recognize that writing an introduction is rather a thankless job-- you either bore the experts or lose the newbies.

I am not certain whether the Lau introduction to the Penguin edition of The Analects would bore an expert, but this (relative) newbie certainly appreciated its assistance.

In the end, I appreciated this book in an almost physical way. It was like looking at a set of carvings. I took each paragraph out of the box, examined it, and returned it again. Some parts entranced me. Other bits I want to reconsider more later. Still other sections feel as though they will speak to a different me at a different point in my life.

It would be impossible for me not to recommend the reading experience, but is that valuable if I do so out of ignorance? A lovely book. I am not qualified to judge the translation, so I will not try.

(I am wondering if someone here can point me to a good text as to how this basic philosophy became the religion of Confucianism. Also: what Confucianism means as a religion rather than a philosophy.)

Nice Set-Up, Old Translation
While 'Penguin Classics' paperbacks are generally some of the best on the market, the Analects themselves are, in this case, a bit out a date.

Better translations have been made, in my opinion. However, the prose itself is well-styled and clearly separated. Concise and easy to understand. The fluency of the book is what seems most troubling.

Nice philosophy
It's amazing how after so many years Confucius thoughts are still important. Here you can find the basis for most of the later philosophists, including some universal principles of most religions. Even though it is not easy to read, with a little effort is a book to enjoy.

I, for one, liked the introductory comments
I guess, there is not much point in buying this book for the text of Lunyu itself: it is available in full on the Internet (for example at Wengu: http://afpc.asso.fr/wengu/wg/wengu.php?l=intro - in the Chinese original, two English - including Lau's - and one French translation) but it is the introduction and adjoining commentaries that are of value. In this respect, I found D.C.Lau's work quite pleasing. He explains the main terms and how they hang together, illustrates his arguments with quotations from the actual Analects and tries his best to relate Confucius' philosophy to suitable analogues in the Western tradition. I am no China-expert, so this helped a lot. The book also has a post-script outlining Kong-zi's life and a short piece on the individual disciples and friends that Confucius converses with in the book. I think there is $9 of value (or whatever the price) in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The teachings of Confucius have had as great an impact on the culture of the Far East as the Bible has had on that of West. As they are presented in this volume, The Teachings of Confucius - Special Edition consists of The Analects, The Great Learning and The Doctrine of the Mean.

The Analects is the most important of the teachings of Confucius. It is a collection of speeches and discussions between Confucius and his various disciples that illustrate his precepts: that anyone, regardless of his station in life, could become a superior man by living a virtuous life.

The Great Learning is a protocol for living, even the humblest actions of everyday living. It is embodied by the practice illustrated by the Seven Steps.

The Doctrine of the Mean deals with the means of achieving perfect virtue by following the middle way. It is a Heavenly prescription of the golden path by which learning and teaching ultimately unfold into perfect virtue.

Like other great teachers, Confucius advocated action based on empathy; on practicing The Golden Rule by only doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. His aim was to improve the value and quality of life for all mankind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Confucius Is For The Ages
I have been doing a survey of eastern philosophy books, including The Art of War, Tao - The Way, and The Samurai Series. When I decided to add Confucius, I was a bit skeptical. The last time I read Confucius, it was on a slip of paper inside a fortune cookie. I was so incredibly surprised and pleased after reading The Great Learning. Confucius was so wise, and I guess the fact that his wisdom has been absorbed so thoroughly by our culture, that it is easy to forget that it was this man who thought of these pearls of wisdom, and they haven't "been around forever." We have tried to reduce his wisdom to easy-to-remember sound bites, but the reader who fails to delve deeper does so at their peril. I have decided to give this book my highest recommendation. Give this wonderful book a chance, and help to preserve the rightful place of Confucius among the pantheon of the greatest minds.

The Analects, The Great Learning and The Doctrine of the Mean

This volume of the complete teachings of Confucius is a gem. There are some wonderful opportunities here to teach basic Eastern philosophy to your children or students. Confucius was a very wise man, and religion aside, his teachings are an excellent way to bond with young adults.

As I was looking for some quotes to share with students, I found a passage which I had forgotten, which really resonated with me:
"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

Unlike most of the books about Confucius on Amazon, this volume contains all 3 of the major works by Confucius which have survived, not just The Analects. If you have only read The Analects, be prepared to be doubly impressed when you read the other works by Confucius as a collection.

The complete teachings of Confucius
No whistles and bells, devoid of cutesy pictures, this edition is the complete surviving collection of the teachings of Confucius. In addition to the widely available "Analects," I was also surprised to find the "Doctrine of the Mean," and the "Great Learning." For people like me who prefer an uncluttered page, this edition was exactly what I was looking for.

nothing special
The works of Confucius cannot be denied their place in history or their importance to China and surrounding countries, but this translation should not be considered a good example of such an important work.

Not being a scholar on the subject, I can only offer a layman's insight; the poor formatting, slack editing and general sloppiness of this book is a substantial letdown. The translation itself is less accessible to that of other translations I have read/own, but offers some interesting thoughts for comparison with other versions. As a starter for the novice, I wouldn't recommend it. That being said, it's one saving grave is the fact that within one book, you get not only the Analects, but also The Doctrine of the Mean and The Great Learning, which ALMOST make it worth buying. Almost. Two stars for the added works.

For a good translation of the seminal Confucian works, look elsewhere says I.

One of the Most Important Books in the History of the World

This book, comprising all the writings of the great Chinese sage Confucius, is one of the most important books in the history of the world.It has made an indelible impression on the philosophy of the East and intimately affected the philosophy of the West.

If Confucius had not existed, the Chinese would have had to invent him.He supplied the benchmarks by which the Chinese people have measured morality for almost all of recorded history.His view of morality, independent of religion, gave mankind one of its first purely rational moral philosophies.Confucius, for the first time, gave mankind a code of behavior based on virtue for the sake of virtue and not on retribution.

The details of the society at the time in which Confucius lived are reflected in his proscriptions, but it takes only a little imagination to apply the underlying principles to this age.His writings show that true morality is timeless and that the character of mankind has changed little over the millennia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A philosophical Confucius
Perhaps the best study of Confucius' thought available. There is a very detailed study of all the key terms in the Analects, with an emphasis on the capacity of the individual Confucian to use his better judgment in specific situations. In other wordsConfucius does not recommend blind obedience to the rules of etiquette (Li). The book also includes an in-depth comparison with Western philosophy, even post-modern. One of the authors, Roger Ames, has also recently written a splendid translation of the Analects together with Henry Rosemont. Both of these books are musts for a deeper understanding of the Analects. ... Read more

Product Description
Born in China in 551 B.C., Confucius rose from poverty to the heights of his country's ruling class.But then he quit his high post for the life of an itinerant philosopher."The Analects" collects his teachings on education and government, the definition of nobility, the equality of man,and the right way and purpose of living - ideas that eventually spread to the West and influenced the great thinkers of the Enlightenment. And five centuries before Christ, Confucius set forth his own Golden Rule: "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

good to know
A great thinker we need him now to be in the White House but to know God as his guide.

A most fantastic achievement
A most remarkable work.I've read several book about Lincol, but none have given a better personal and in depth of his intimate life. Gove Vidal's historic novel, Lincoln, give the historical picture, but in Eosteins book, we get a very close and intimate details of life in the 1850's. thus far never available.

I give great prise to Epstein for his remarkabel researh. The "quote" and the everyday accounts of Lincols and Mary's life together and apart.Quite a remarkable undertaking indeed.

Interesting but short
Interesting. I bought this book to read and learn about Confucius. This book is short and gives you a good idea about Confucius but if you are very interested in the subject get a more detailed book. This one is very short.

Excellent
This book, while non-fiction, read like a story, keeping it interesting yet providing fact, thought, questions, myth busters, and acknowledgment where facts are unclear or uncertain.Best of all, an entertainment with great messages for living a good quality, vituous life.

I enjoyed this one as an adult, and looking forward to sharing it with the children & teens in my life, as well as other adults.

Confucius: The Golden Rule
Confucius was a minor government official who desperately wanted to change the government of China.But because of his radical ideas, he was never given the opportunity.He became a scholar who taught his pupils to think.Many years after his death, his ideas were written down and have survived for thousands of years.Tidbits of Confucius's wisdom have even made their way into American fortune cookies.Because little is known of the fifth century B.C. scholar, Freedman makes an effort to establish what information is believed to be fact and what is more likely legend.

The book's beautiful antiquated illustrations complement the text.They are as mysterious as the life of Confucius.I especially like the little details in this book: the quotes from the Analects on the endpapers, the author's note detailing his observations of the celebration in China held for Confucius each year, and the annotated bibliography. ... Read more

Product Description
As one of Chinas's all-time bestsellers, Confucius from the Heart unveils the wisdom of The Analects, a major text of Confucian philosophy that has dominated Chinas's intellectual and spiritual culture for more than two millenia.

Yu Dan helps readers attain spiritual happiness and harmony. Her simple, conversational prose finally makes the ancient wisdom of Confucius accessible to all, ultimately unveiling the immense value of Confucian teachings.

In today's increasingly demanding world, Confucius from the Heart is a beacon of light, ready to soothe our souls with wisdom that has guided a whole culture and withstood the test of time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

not your regular bestseller self-help book
Yu Dan scope for writing this book was because she wanted it to be practical for the people of China to immediately put to use. Anyone who even knows a little about modern China can tell you that Confucian practices were openly rejected and condemned by the parties, thinking that by rejecting it they would actually succeed of being 'advanced /modern.'

Yu Dan does not dive into the academic approach of explaining Confucius, but rather the most simplistic way. You won't find how Confucianism came to be or how it shaped the history back then. All this book consists of is his teachings and she takes such with such clarity that even Confucius would have been proud of her. She does incorporate some of her own experiences and stories which better explain what Confucius is trying to say. Confucius took many roles during his time, but over her he only portrayed as a sage.

In the book is composed of six themes philosophical concerns that complements each other and builds upon the previous chapters.

1. The way of Heaven and Earth and how to achieve goodness despite all the opposition that stands,
2. The way of Heart and Soul challenges us to changeour attitudes when we face misfortunes in our lives,
3. The way of the World explains what a Junzi does when it comes to the dealings of this world
4. The way of Friendship, what consists of good friends and bad friends and the consequences attached
5. The way of Ambition, how to allow your heart have precedence in forming goals
6. The way of Being, explains the six stages of life and the significance of each one

These are the values stressed starting from the least to the most important
loyalty to the state
ritual, propriety, etiquette
love and respect among family members
righteousness
honesty and trustworthiness
benevolence towards others

This book is not like the regular self-help book that tells you to believe in something and work hard to the fullest and you will achieve it. It does not tell you the ways you can become rich and then happy. It does not give you false hope to get through life. What it does is it shows us how moral order can bring happiness not only to oneself, but to an entire country perhaps even the world. It gives you a plan of action that does not require extreme contemplation, but that is easily applicable in our daily world. It does not tell you what you can do to get to your particular goals, it tells you what you should do and what your goals should consist of. It shows how the world can truly be happier if only people were more tolerant and kind to each other. It shows you that there is nothing wrong with not being rich and popularbecause you don't need those things to be truly happy. Material goods can only provide happiness for a short while, but its effect wears off quickly. So what leads to happiness? This book will help answer that question.

What can the West learn from China? - This book is a first pointer.
If we say that Western civilisation began from ancient Greece and that ancient Greece began from the first Olympics in 776 BC, then perhaps it is fair for us to say that Beijing's successful staging of the 2008 Olympics signifies the completion of China's whole-hearted embrace of the roots of Western civilisation.

To be sure, China still has to improve along the lines of rule of law, democracy and human rights, to name a few. But this does not mean that China still does not understand the beauty of these concepts, but rather that China needs to, over time, find its own ways to implement them.

Nobody can dispute China's achievement in economic development. But there is no mystery about it either: China has done it as a result of its learning from the West.

The natural question then is: What can the West learn from China?

Well, the clues are in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

From the point of view of the essence of the Olympic spirit, the Beijing Olympic Games was no different from other Olympic Games held in the past - China had to organise the games strictly according to the rules and guidelines of the IOC, too.

But if there is anything unique about China that is worth being taken away by Westerners, then it is the Confucian sayings recited at the very beginning of the opening ceremony.

Unfortunately, the sayings were recited in Chinese...

It is against the above backdrop that I greatly welcome this new book.

I have given this book a five-star rating, not exactly for the actual English content provided by translator Esther Tyldesley (although I am happy to subscribe to the bulk of it), but for the publisher's efforts to turn the Chinese version, published in 2006, into a beautifully designed and manufactured English version.

No doubt, great efforts have been made by the translator, the Chinese author Yu Dan, and the editorial team at large to adapt the Chinese version, which was targeted at the Chinese reader, to the English reader.

And no doubt, more and similar English publications will appear in the future.

But no matter how hard we try, our translations and adaptations of Confucius are bound to be poorer than the original - I mean the original Chinese text. We need a combination of all the translations and adaptations already made and many others not yet made to reveal the richness of the Confucian Analects in its original form.

In this sense, instead of saying that Yu Dan has written a commentary on Confucius, I would say that Confucius has written a commentary on Yu Dan.

Indeed, on us all. This is why "in 1988 when seventy-five Nobel laureates gathered in Paris, they made a declaration that if mankind is to survive in the 21st century, it has to go back 2,500 years in time to tap into the wisdom of Confucius." (Quote is from Wei Wang's The China Executive, which focuses on examining the implications of Confucius for the age of global business.)

But what is the wisdom of Confucius like?

Opening statements from Confucius from the Heart (p. 10):

"You should not think that the wisdom of Confucius is lofty and out of reach, or something that people today can only look up to with reverence.

The truths of this world are for ever plain and simple, in the same way that the sun rises everyday in the east, just as spring is the time for sowing and autumn is the time to harvest.

The truths that Confucius gives us are always the easiest of truths.

They tell us all how we can live the kind of happy life that our spirit needs."

Becoming Junzi
Here in the U.S., "Confucius say" is usually just the prelude to a one liner in faux Chinese pidgin. (Man who run in front of car soon tired. Confucius from the Heart by Yu Dan is not a collection of one liners.Instead Confucius from the Heart is book you will continue to "read" long after you've closed the covers.
Leaving Trader Joe's yesterday (groceries in the bag I brought with me) I was reminded of Confucius's words that the task of the older years is to resist acquisitiveness--letting go, rather than gathering.My trunk has things in it that apparently only exist to be kept in my trunk, since I'm obviously not using them.I agreed--time to lighten the load I carry.

A political debate in the kitchen at work?The "attuned ear" that can listen to all sides.

A great idea that I'm going to do?Confucius suggests the time to tell of your work is when it is finished not before it's begun.


Since the Revolution, the scholarly philosopher from 2500 years ago seemed to be relegated to the past--part of the pre-revolutionary oppression of the people or simply no longer relevant today. In 2006 Yu Dan, a professor at Beijing Normal University presented a seven day series of lectures on the Analects (the compilation of his teachings written by Confucius's students after his death) and their application to the modern world. To everyone's surprise Yu Dan's lectures took China by storm.Over ten million copies of the lectures were sold throughout China.

Confucius for the Heart focuses on the individual. The "heart" is the core of one's values and beliefs, moral compass.Balance and courtesy, doing what is right, benevolence are some of the stepping stones on the Way.

The goal is becoming junzi a word the translator writes has no English equivalent. Balanced, honorable, benevolent--a person who can be relied on and trusted, with a strong internal moral compass--this is junzi.

I think what reached people so immediately is that Yu Don tried to do in her lectures what she believes Confucius aimed for in his teachings: to make the philosophical and ethical ideas (maybe called wisdom?) accessible to all.The great sages, she writes, used simple words and clarity to make the concepts understandable and the goals attainable. Anyone, everyone who chooses the Way can be junzi.No esoteric learning, no secrets only for the enlightened few.

Becoming junzi--an ever unfolding process, always learning--but one open to all.


... Read more

Product Description
Confucius—“Master Kung” (551–479 BCE), the Chinese thinker and social philosopher—originated teachings that have deeply influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese thought and life over many centuries. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, justice, and appropriateness in social relationships. In time these values gained prom­inence in China over other doctrines, such as Taoism and even Buddhism. His thoughts later developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism.
 
Today there remain many mysteries about the actual circumstances of his life, and the development of his influence has yet to be encapsulated for the general reader. But with Michael Nylan and Thomas Wilson’s Lives of Confucius, many mysteries are laid to rest about his historical life, and fascinating details emerge about how his mythic stature evolved over time, right up to the present day. ... Read more

Product Description
Confucius has become synonymous in the West with Eastern wisdom: profound and mysterious. He was, however, one of the most humane, lucid, and rational moral teachers of the ancient world, concerned not with arcane metaphysics or invisible gods but with the practical issues of life and conduct. How should the state be organized? What makes a good ruler? What is virtue? What is the proper relationship between man and nature? Above all, how should individuals behave with one another and toward their environment?
Confucius addressed all these questions in dialogues, stories, and anecdotes gathered together as The Analects, which offers not lofty moral prescriptions but sensible advice based on principles of justice and moderation. So timeless was his thinking that even now, after two and a half thousand years, The Analects remains one of the most influential texts ever written. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fine to help understand China, but otherwise....
I read this on the plane to China.For me the best part was the excellent introduction in the Everyman edition.It helped me understand Chinese history and The Master's place in it, as well as summarize his philosophy and advice for how to run an empire.As for the work itself, it seemed a bit thin to me, but I am sure there are reasons those more expert than me could explain.It can be read very quickly; of course if you want to become an expert (which I didn't), a close read would probably reveal more joy than I found.

disappointing
There is nothing new here if you have already read the Tao and Epictetus.You can argue this came first (I am not sure of the exact time-line between this and the Tao), but the truth is both sources have more of value.This book has a few gems of ideas that are also found in one or both of the other books, buried in a lot of irrelevant stories of people, mostly students, that are not especially interesting or helpful.

I would read the Tao if you're looking for eastern philosophy, and Epictetus for the ancient western view, whether you're interested in helpful life guidance or simply the history of philosophy; either or both have more of value in my opinion than the Analects.

Tao Te Ching (Everyman's Library)

The Discourses of Epictetus - The Handbook - Fragments (Everyman's Library)

The Lun Yu, the Analects of Confucius, should be in Everyman's Library.

There seems to be some confusion here by some of the Reviewers about this translation of the Lun Yu--the Analects of Confucius--of Kong Zi.

The Everyman's Library edition is the respected Arthur Waley translation from 1938. Look inside the book at the Copyright page provided by Amazon and there you will see that this is the Arthur Waley translation. Or you can go to the Everyman's Library website at Random House if you prefer.

For the money you can't beat this copy of the Analects. Hard Cover (Cloth) for the price of a paperback. There may be more easily readable translations, but there is something to be said for having to stop and think about what has been said where a book of wisdom is concerned.

If you only have one copy of the Analects, this is a very good one to have. The Analects are the sayings and quotes of the proverbial wisdom of Confucius and his followers. Literally "The Discussion Over Confucius' Words".

"When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them".
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Product Description

Compiled by disciples of Confucius in the centuries following his death in 479 B.C.E.,The Analects of Confucius is a collection of aphorisms and historical anecdotes embodying the basic values of the Confucian tradition: learning, morality, ritual decorum, and filial piety. Reflecting the model eras of Chinese antiquity, the Analects offers valuable insights into successful governance and the ideal organization of society. Filled with humor and sarcasm, it reads like a casual conversation between teacher and student, emphasizing the role of the individual in the attainment of knowledge and the value of using historical events and people to illuminate moral and political concepts.

Confucius's teachings focus on cultural and peaceful pursuits and the characteristics of benevolent and culturally distinguished government. He also discusses ancestor worship and other rites performed for the spirits of the dead. The single most influential philosophical work in all of Chinese history,The Analects of Confucius has shaped the thought and customs of China and neighboring countries for centuries. Burton Watson's concise translation uses the pinyin romanization system and keeps explanatory notes to a minimum, yet his intimate knowledge of the Confucian tradition and precise attention to linguistic detail capture the original text's elegance, cogency, and wit.

Customer Reviews (2)

good, but not precise enough
Another reviewer quoted the famous passage, "The Master said, The gentleman is not a utensil" as a highlight of this translation.Well, it only highlights that the translation is not as accurate as it should be.In the original text, the negative before qi, "utensil," is bu, which negates verbs, not nouns.That means qi must be understood as a verb, "to act like/behave like/serve as a utensil."A more precise translation would be: "The gentleman does not serve as a utensil."It's a subtle but crucial difference, and there's really no excuse for a translator of Watson's experience to make a mistake like this.He is more at home in imperial literature, not the classics.

A translation for the 21st century!
This little book has had a considerable influence over the centuries in China and its cultural sphere. This translation is very agreeable and can be read in one day. However, it is a book that requires more than just one reading.

To give some examples, here are some sentences, almost chosen randomly:

"The Master said, The gentleman is not a utensil."

"The Master said, Persons who lack trustworthiness-I don't know how they get by!"

"A person who really hated the lack of humaneness would conduct himself humanely, never allowing those who lack humaneness to affect his behavior."

"The Master's Way consists of loyalty and reciprocity alone."

And my favorite one: "Standing by a stream, the Master said, It flows on like this-does it not?- never ceasing, day or night."

Burton Watson is a great translator of fine letters and we are all in his debt.


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Product Description
Over two thousand five hundred years ago, the students of the thinker and philosopher Confucius wrote down every scrap and scattered fragment of his life and teachings that they could find. His ideology later become the cornerstone of the political and social life of China for thousands of years. But what can Confucius and his ancient wisdom teach us today?

Confucius from the Heart began as a series of television lectures which took China by storm, propelling Yu Dan to the top of the bestseller lists and to national and international fame. Yu Dan blows away the cobwebs of thousands of years of academic study on Confucius's thought and gives him back to the ordinary people. Hear dazzling contemporary interpretation of Confucius reveals the secrets that he has to impart, secrets that can help us stay grounded, to understand the hectic modern world we live in and our place in it, secrets that will help us live richer, fuller lives.

Simple, direct and uplifitng, she peels away the reverent approach of the scholars and shows that the truths that Confucius offers us are always the easiest of truths, which show us how to live the kind of happy lives that our spirits need. ... Read more

Product Description
Two classics of Chinese philosophy.The Analects of Confucius, and the Mencius. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One minor problem
One minor problem with the book. It has no table of contents and I had to do quite a bit of searching before I found where Mencius begins. (It starts at 1616) Otherwise it is fine. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of the Traditional Chinese Culture series, this book is an illustrated adaptation of Confucius thoughts. Collected and popularized by the immensely popular Chinese illustrator Tsai Chih Chung, the book includes the life of Confucius and his analects for the reader of today, bringing to life the spirit and philosophy of Confucius through cartoon panels with a text that is irreverently humorous yet replete with wisdom. It is a great and easy tool to learn Chinese classics. ... Read more