What are the Analects of Confucius?

Answer

The Analects of Confucius is a collection of sayings attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. The term “analects” comes from a Greek word meaning “to gather up.” The Analects of Confucius were compiled by Confucius’ contemporaries, students, and followers. The individual remarks in the Analects serve as the foundation of Confucianism, which reshaped the ancient Chinese worldview.

The precise history of the Analects of Confucius is unclear. Confucius passed away early in the fifth century BC, and in the third century BC, the Chinese emperor ordered a widespread destruction of books. While some limited copies of certain works were preserved, this event led to the loss of many texts that could have helped trace the history of Confucian thought. The Analects is also essentially the sole source of biographical information about Confucius himself. It appears that there were multiple competing versions of the Analects circulating until a scholar compiled the version now recognized as “official,” around the time of Christ.

The Analects of Confucius consists of distinct, concise dialogues or statements. Each of these aims to elucidate some aspect of Confucian philosophy, which primarily emphasizes humanism and altruism. The book contains minimal references to the spiritual realm or the supernatural. The emphasis is on ethical behavior and the correct way to live in the current world.

It is sometimes suggested that Confucius articulated a concept similar to the Golden Rule in the Bible. In passage 15:23, Confucius mentions “reciprocity” as an ethical ideal, then states, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” While this may seem akin to the directive in Scripture, it is a negative formulation, lacking the injunction for positive action found in the Bible “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”, (Matthew 7:12). Confucius’ rule governs our actions; Jesus’ Golden Rule demands our actions.

As the Analects is not a single, continuous narrative, many readers depend on commentaries to elucidate its meaning. This draws an interesting comparison with the Qur’an in Islam. Both texts consist of oral statements compiled together and lack a strict structure; their comprehension relies more on commentaries than direct study. However, unlike the Qur’an, the Analects of Confucius is not revered as inspired, flawless, or divine by Confucianists. The text is not believed to be an exact transcription; instead, the statements in the Analects are viewed as summaries and paraphrases.

Over time, this compilation of Confucius’ statements gained popularity and significance. By the Middle Ages, the Analects had become a fundamental text in Chinese society. Despite attempts by modern ideologies like communism to diminish their importance, the influence of Confucianism and the Analects remains a prevailing force in Chinese culture.