The Analects (论语, Lùnyǔ — “Collected Conversations”) is the most important text in Confucian philosophy — a record of Confucius’s teachings compiled by his disciples after his death in 479 BCE.
Core Passages
“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” — on the importance of questioning.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
Also worth reading:
Influence
The Analects shaped the Chinese civil service examination for over 1,300 years and continues to influence East Asian business culture and education systems.
Explore more in our Chinese Culture Complete Guide.
