Page 9 of 26

from the Analects of Confucius

Translated by Simon Leys
Background: The Analects is a collection of about 500 sayings, dialogues, and brief
stories. It was put together over many years following the death of Confucius. Confucius was
a great Chinese teacher who lived in the sixth century B.C. The Analects presents Confucius’
teachings on how people should live to create an orderly and just society.

Confucius Portrait of

▲
the Chinese philosopher
The Master1 said: “He who rules by virtue is Confucius
like the polestar,2 which remains unmoving
in its mansion while all the other stars
revolve respectfully around it.” (2.1)
The Master said: “To study without
thinking is futile.3 To think without
studying is dangerous.” (2.15)
Lord Ji Kang asked: “What should I do
in order to make the people respectful,
loyal, and zealous?”4 The Master said:
“Approach them with dignity and they will
be respectful. Be yourself a good son and
a kind father, and they will be loyal. Raise
the good and train the incompetent, and
they will be zealous.” (2.20)
The Master said: “Set your heart upon
the Way;5 rely upon moral power; follow
goodness; enjoy the arts.” (7.6)
1. the Master: Confucius.
The Master said: “A gentleman abides by 2. polestar: the North Star, which
three principles which I am unable to appears to remain in the same place
follow: his humanity knows no anxiety; his in the sky as Earth rotates.
wisdom knows no hesitation; his courage 3. futile: useless.
knows no fear.” Zigong6 said: “Master, you 4. zealous: enthusiastic.
have just drawn your own portrait.” (14.28) 5. Way: ideal pattern of behavior.
6. Zigong: a student.

DOCUMENT–BASED QUESTIONS

1. What kinds of behavior does Confucius talk 2. What kind of person does Confucius seem
about in the Analects? to have been?

Chapter Connection For more about Confucius, see

Chapter 8, Lesson 2.

R42 • PRIMARY SOURCE HANDBOOK