Activity 1: Comprehension and Reading Skills

Reflect on the “ Confucian Analects” and share your ideas with your classmates and teacher.
1. According to Confucius, what are the duties of a young man at home and in the outside
world? If he has energy to spare after he fulfils these duties, what must he do?

2. Why might eating coarse food, drinking cold water, and sleeping on the floor bring
happiness?

3. In what ways are Confucius’ opinion on leadership and wealth in conflict with the actions
of many leaders and wealthy people throughout history?

4. How valuable is learning and knowledge to Confucius?

How does Confucius learn from other people?

Activity 2: Literary Skills

An aphorism is a short saying or pointed statement.
1. What are some of your favourite aphorisms in the excerpts from the “Analects”?
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2. Share significant aphorisms that you have heard before.
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3. Why might aphorisms be a more effective way of sharing and remembering important
ideas or rules than longer statements?
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