The Analects

The Analects, also known as the Analects of Confucius, are the collection of sayings and ideas of central Chinese thinker and philosopher Confucius, written by his followers. Written during the Spring and Autumn Period through the Warring States Period (ca. 475 BC - 221 BC), the Analects is the representative work of Confucianism and continues to have a substantial influence on Chinese and East Asian thought and values today. Since Confucius' time, the Analects has heavily influenced the philosophy and moral values of China and later other East Asian countries as well. For almost two thousand years, the Analects had also been the fundamental course of study for any Chinese scholar, for a man was not considered morally upright or enlightened if he did not study Confucius' works. It teaches the basic Confucian values including social and ritual propriety, righteousness, loyalty, and filial piety, all centered about the central thought of Confucius humanity and the proper man or gentleman .