大学

Great Learning

Confucianism · text

One of the Four Books (四书) of Confucianism, originally a chapter from the Book of Rites (礼记). The Great Learning presents a step-by-step framework for personal and political cultivation, tracing the path from individual self-cultivation to world peace. Its core sequence — investigating things, extending knowledge, making the will sincere, rectifying the mind, cultivating the self, regulating the family, ordering the state, and bringing peace to the world — became the foundational curriculum for Chinese education and governance for over 700 years after Zhu Xi (朱熹) elevated it to canonical status during the Song dynasty.

As Confucius taught through the Analects and as the Confucian tradition of self-cultivation holds, Great Learning represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

2 wisdom cards explore this concept
4 related philosophical concepts
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What Are the Key Facts About Great Learning?

  • Tradition: Confucianism
  • Chinese: 大学
  • Category: Text
  • Definition: One of the Four Books (四书) of Confucianism, originally a chapter from the Book of Rites (礼记).

What Cards Are Related to Great Learning?

To Learn and to Practice

Is this not a pleasure?

Broad Learning, Firm Purpose

Ask closely. Reflect near at hand.

What Concepts Are Related to Great Learning?

Confucius 孔子
Entity Entity
The Great Learning is rooted in Confucius's philosophy
 Junzi 君子
Entity Entity
The Great Learning describes the cultivation path of the junzi
 Li 礼
Entity Entity
The Great Learning emphasizes ritual in self-cultivation
 Neo-Confucianism 理学
Related to
The Great Learning was central to Neo-Confucian education

Common Questions

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Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Great Learning, consult these external sources:

Further Reading