great learning confucianism
Definition & Meaning
Key Takeaway: One of the Four Books (四书) of Confucianism, originally a chapter from the Book of Rites (礼记).
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 in the Analects and as the Confucian tradition of virtue and self-cultivation holds, One of the Four Books (四书) of Confucianism, originally a chapter from the Book of Rites (礼记).
— Oriens
Related Wisdom Cards
To Learn and to Practice
Is this not a pleasure?
Broad Learning, Firm Purpose
Ask closely. Reflect near at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
great learning confucianism
One of the Four Books (四书) of Confucianism, originally a chapter from the Book of Rites (礼记)..
what is the great learning
The Great Learning presents a step-by-step framework for personal and political cultivation, tracing the path from individual self-cultivation to world peace..