Overview
The Master said, 'Learning without thought is useless. Thought without learning is dangerous.'
The Analects are a fascinating anthology of the words and ideas of Confucius, gathered by his loyal disciples. They espouse the importance of education for moral development and celebrate the qualities of sincerity, piety, and virtue. In these pivotal writings, human behaviour was put under the microscope for the first time.
Confucius provides a moral code by which each one of us should live based on ideals of responsibility, respect, kindness, and honesty - qualities as relevant and sought-after today as they were 2,500 years ago. His principles continue to shape Eastern philosophy, politics, and culture.
Author Bio
A teacher, thinker and philosopher, Confucius (c.BC551-479) was born in the Chinese state of Lu (now part of the Shandong province. His lifelong teachings of filial duty, benevolence, morality and sincerity developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism which has deeply influenced Eastern philosophies ever since.
William Edward Soothill (1861-1935) travelled to China as a missionary before becoming Professor of Chinese at Oxford University and a leading British sinologist.
John Baldock has also studied the world's various religious traditions in some depth. His published books include The Essence of Sufism, The Little Book of Zen Wisdom, The Elements of Christian Symbolism and The Alternative Gospel.
