For this reason it is difficult to summarize the gentleman easily, but considering the term in the light of the other ideas in the text is helpful. The gentleman or chun-tzu is the central term in The Analects and the other terms are generally used in reference to this persona. A better definition, some scholars say, is to think of it as 'character' or 'prestige', an attribute that would have been desirable in a human being. Te corresponds most closely to the word 'virtue', although you may encounter some disagreement among scholars regarding this translation. For example, words like 'altruistic' or 'humane' are useful in understanding this term. It is helpful not to simply think of the term as meaning 'goodness' but also to see how its juxtaposition with the other terms forms a greater picture of how Confucius defined goodness and other positive human qualities. Its translation is a bit difficult to represent exactly in English, but the text provides a good deal of context when discussing the gentleman and goodness. The gentleman, or chunt-tzu, possesses this quality. Jen is most often translated as 'goodness' or 'humanity'. This could include self-conduct or how a kingdom is ruled. Confucius speaks often about the Tao under Heaven, meaning a good way or path to achieving morally superior ends. In the context of the work it refers to the manner in which anything is done a method or doctrine. The Tao, or the Way, refers to a literal path or road.

Taken together they form the backbone of Confucian ideals. There are additional terms in the work, but these comprise the core concepts. Much of the work concerns itself with the concept of the Tao or the Way, the chun-tzu or the gentleman, Li or ritual, Te or virtue, and Jen or goodness. Books III and IV are seen as the core texts, outlining Confucius's ideology. Book II deals largely with issues of governance. The Analects includes twenty books, each generally featuring a series of chapters that encompass quotes from Confucius, which were compiled by his disciples after his death.īook I serves as a general introduction to the various disciples in the work. The Analects of Confucius is an anthology of brief passages that present the words of Confucius and his disciples, describe Confucius as a man, and recount some of the events of his life.

Confucius and the analects