What is Analects (论语)?

A collection of sayings and dialogues attributed to Confucius and his disciples, compiled after his death. As one of the Four Books, the Analects (论语, Lúnyǔ) covers learning, ethics, ritual, politics, and self-cultivation across 20 received books. Its passages preserve different voices and question-and-answer scenes, so a collection hub should link to passage-specific guides rather than treat every saying as a direct statement by Confucius.

学而时习之，不亦说乎？有朋自远方来，不亦乐乎？

— Analects, Book 1, Chapter 1 (Confucius)

Key Takeaways

  • A collection of sayings and dialogues attributed to Confucius and his disciples, compiled after his death.
  • Chinese: 论语 (Analects).
  • Also known as: 论语, Lunyu.

Understanding Analects

A collection of sayings and dialogues attributed to Confucius and his disciples, compiled after his death. As one of the Four Books, the Analects (论语, Lúnyǔ) covers learning, ethics, ritual, politics, and self-cultivation across 20 received books. Its passages preserve different voices and question-and-answer scenes, so a collection hub should link to passage-specific guides rather than treat every saying as a direct statement by Confucius.

Sources

Further Reading

Related Guides

  • What is Neo-Confucianism? — The Analects remained foundational
  • What is Li? — The Analects treat li (ritual propriety) as the outward form through which ren is realized in conduct.
  • What is Xiao? — Filial piety (xiao) is the root from which Confucius derives social and political order in the Analects.
  • What is Shu? — The Analects articulate the negative Golden Rule as shu (reciprocity): do not impose on others what you dislike.
  • What is Yi? — The Analects contrast yi (rightness/fitness) with mere gain, marking yi as the measure of action.

Also Known As

Chinese: 论语. 论语, Lunyu