The Analects are a collection of short books that record the words of Chinese philosopher and political thinker Confucius. Kung Fu-Tzu or in Latin Confucius (551 BCE - 471 BCE) was a contemporary of Plato and Sakyamuni and remains one of the most important thinkers in world history. Fortunately, his ideas were written down during his lifetime, or shortly thereafter. Confucius’ ideas continue to have a huge impact on Chinese thought and values today some 2,500 years after they were recorded
The books were begun sometime during the late Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history (ca. 479 BCE) and appear to have been written over a period of 30 to 50 years into the period known as the Period of the Warring States (475BCE to 221BCE).
Like Plato's Republic, The Analects were almost certainly penned and compiled by disciples and second-generation disciples. The books take the form of discussions between Confucius and his students. However, the thoughts and acts described are about Confucius himself and his ideas. The main editor of The Analects was most likely Zengzi, one of the better known students of Confucius. Confucius ideas would be expanded by another of his students Mencius in The Book of Mencius.
Like many other classic Chinese works, the chapters in The Analects are grouped around specific themes, without any real discernable sequence although certain vital themes recur repeatedly in different chapters.
Prior to the Western Han Dynasty, there were three versions of The Analects circulating through China. In the second century BCE, Zhang Yu, a teacher of Emperor Cheng, combined the two versions of The Analects, which is largely the version we know today.
The Analects has heavily influenced the philosophy and moral values of China and later other East Asian countries as well. The Analects remain a fundamental aspect of education for any Chinese scholar. The books taught the basic Confucian values of propriety, righteousness, loyalty, ritual, and filial piety, all centered about the central thought of Confucius – humanity.
The Analects give readers guidelines on the rules of government and kingly behavior. Confucius describes the expectations of rule and successful government, and the qualities of a good king. Throughout The Analects, Confucius attributes many problems with society to the lack of moral values and Confucius’ ideas contain conservative and moral ideologies. Confucius reinforced the importance of morality and by teaching society moral values. He believed that teaching morality would teach society honesty, therefore resulting in shame if they did anything dishonest. He also stresses peaceful, egalitarian interactions, respect and concern for others, and dignity.
Confucius said government needed to incorporate three major moral imperatives: filiality, humaneness, and ritual decorum.
Filiality involves the care of family members, and treating non-family members as if they were part of their family. Confucius believed that if everyone was "filial and friendly toward one's brother," it would have its effect on the government and influence it in a positive way. Where some governments relied on enforcing strict, unfair rules to achieve and retain power, which often resulted in unrest and violence, Confucius promoted ethical goodness as a basis for a better government.
Confucius also stressed care for one another in a society, and explained the importance of humaneness along with other moral values. To properly achieve a harmonious government, the society requires humaneness. According to Confucius, humaneness involves the concern for others in the society in order to benefit the society as a whole. Confucius believed that a happy, successful society required the effort of all members to be compassionate towards each other. Confucius described the five characteristics to becoming humane as respect, liberality, trustworthiness, earnestness and kindness.
Confucius also addresses the subject of kingship. Although government was separate from kingship, there are certain common moral prerequisites for both. Confucius said loyalty, courage and obedience were of primary importance in people serving their ruler. In return, the ruler should lead his people with moral force, not through punishment. Rulers must lead their people with virtuous qualities in order to have their people give them loyalty. Confucius explained that in order for people to submit and show loyalty to their king, the king must acknowledge and reward goodness and the upright.
Confucius throughout The Analects emphasized ritual as a way of mastering oneself. Repetitive ritual would instill upon people a sense of consistency, leading to a certain routine in everyday life that does not include such unmoral things such as violence, envy, and greed.