The Analects of Confucius is a collection of anecdotes, sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher and teacher Confucius.  The term “analects” derive from the Chinese term Lun Yu, meaning “edited conversations”.  The Analects are believed to have been written down by followers of Confucius during the Warring States period (475-221 BC) shortly after his death and to have been further revised into its present form by the mid-Han dynasty (206 BC -220 AD).  For many years The Analects was considered a commentary on the Five Classics of Chinese literature*, but grew to become a central text in the study of Confucianism and be recognized as one of the Four Books, all of which contribute to the philosophy. The core idea of Confucianism is that the general welfare of a country depends on the moral virtue of its people, beginning with leadership. Cultivation of virtue is done via the practice of ren, which teaches the importance of devotion to parents and the wisdom of reconciling individual desires with rules and rituals of propriety, which engender respect for others and responsibility.  The importance of The Analects as an essential philosophical work was seen in the inclusion in the “Four Books” during the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279).  It has been one of the most widely read books in China for 2,000 years and maintains a strong influence on Chinese thought and values.

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