The Analects of Confucius
The Analects of Confucius, or Lúnyǔ are a collection of various books, recorded conversations and sayings of COnfucius and his students. The collection was put together over centuries after his death and has historically impacted primarily East Asia in several ways such as governance, culture and way of living.
Structure
Analects are defined as a collection of texts and those of Confucius exist out of 20 books/chapters with either dialogue of Confucius or passages. The Analects of Confucius are aphoristic, meaning the meanings are clear-cut and often not more than 1 sentence or short exchanges of dialogue.
Excerpts from the Analects are often referred to like so, "Is it not a pleasure to learn and practice what you learn?" (1.1) The first 1 means which chapter it's referencing and the second 1 which line
Chapters
Basic summary for every chapter/book. See the bottom for sources to the complete Analects
Xué Ér
Focuses on how beneficial and good learning, filial piety, moral refinement and how it can bring joy to the self
Wéi Zhèng
Says that good governance is defined by virtue and not force
Bā Yì
Talks about how one should maintain propriety during ceremonies
Lǐ Rén
Talks about humaneness as being the most important virtue
Gōng Yě Cháng
Confucius examines his students and other historical figures
Yōng Yě
Talks about the difference between natural v. learned wisdom and poverty v. virtue
Shù Ér
Confucius describes his teaching methods and what type of people he teaches and refuses to teach
Tài Bó
Praises ancient kings and moral discipline
Zǐ Hǎn
Confucius says that one shouldn't boast and talks about fate and persistence
Xiāng Dǎng
Describes the daily life of Confucius, how he dressed, acted, spoke, etc.
Xiān Jìn
Mourns the death of a disciple of Confucius, Yan Hui and compares the strength of Confucius' students
Yán Yuān
Gives advice on how to govern and virtue, specifically on how to treat others
Zǐ Lù
Advice for gentlemen and rulers, saying leaders should first work hard, then reward
Xiàn Wèn
Gives critique on hypocrites and praises courage
Wèi Líng Gōng
Teaches resilience and basic ethics. Translates to the Golden Rule.
Jì Shì
Warns for the dangers of having greed and disharmony in power
Yáng Huò
Talks about laziness and rejects a student who does nothing but sleeps all day
Wēi Zǐ
Stories of hermits who reject corrupt rule. Emphasizes how rare good rulers are
Zǐ Zhāng
Students of Confucius talk about how to mourn properly, virtue and learning
Yáo Yuē
Summarizes what makes good leadership and the cosmic order