The Analects
Book 1 · Learning and Practice
Read in English. Switch to Original for word notes, or select text to ask a question.
Learning and Practice · 1.1
The Master said, “To learn and put what one has learned into practice at the proper times—is that not a pleasure? To have friends come from far away—is that not a joy? To remain unresentful when others do not understand you—is that not the mark of an exemplary person?”
Learning and Practice · 1.2
Youzi said, “Those who are devoted to their parents and respectful toward their elders seldom enjoy defying their superiors. There has never been anyone who did not enjoy defying superiors yet enjoyed stirring up disorder. The exemplary person works at the root. Once the root is established, the Way grows. Surely filial devotion and respect for elders are the root of practicing humaneness?”
Learning and Practice · 1.3
The Master said, “Clever words and a pleasing appearance seldom go with humaneness.”
Learning and Practice · 1.4
Zengzi said, “Every day I examine myself on three matters: In acting on another person's behalf, have I failed to give my whole effort? In dealings with friends, have I failed to be trustworthy? Have I failed to practice what I was taught?”
Learning and Practice · 1.5
The Master said, “In governing a state of a thousand chariots, attend reverently to affairs and be trustworthy, be measured in expenditure and care for people, and call upon the people for service at the proper seasons.”
Learning and Practice · 1.6
The Master said, “Young people should be devoted to their parents at home and respectful toward their elders away from home, careful and trustworthy, broadly caring toward others, and close to humane people. If they have energy left after doing these things, they should use it to study the cultural arts.”
Learning and Practice · 1.7
Zixia said, “Value worthy character in place of outward beauty. In serving your parents, give all your strength; in serving your ruler, devote yourself fully. In dealings with friends, make your words trustworthy. Though someone like this may be said not to have studied, I would certainly call that person learned.”
Learning and Practice · 1.8
The Master said, “If an exemplary person lacks seriousness, there will be no dignity, and learning will not be firm. Make wholeheartedness and trustworthiness your guiding commitments. Do not take as friends those who are not your equals in these qualities. When you make a mistake, do not shrink from correcting it.”
Learning and Practice · 1.9
Zengzi said, “Carefully observe the rites at life's end and remember distant ancestors; then the people's virtue will return to depth and generosity.”
Learning and Practice · 1.10
Ziqin asked Zigong, “Whenever our Master reaches a state, he invariably hears about its government. Does he ask for this information, or is it offered to him?” Zigong replied, “Our Master obtains it through warmth, goodness, reverence, restraint, and deference. Surely his way of seeking is different from other people's!”
Learning and Practice · 1.11
The Master said, “While a person's father is alive, observe that person's intentions. After the father has died, observe that person's conduct. If for three years the person does not alter the father's way, that may be called filial devotion.”
Learning and Practice · 1.12
Youzi said, “In putting ritual into practice, harmony is precious. The way of the former kings was admirable in this respect: great affairs and small alike followed it. Yet there are cases in which it will not work. To seek harmony merely because one knows its value, without regulating it through ritual, will not work either.”
Learning and Practice · 1.13
Youzi said, “When a promise accords with what is right, one's word can be fulfilled. When reverence accords with ritual, one keeps disgrace at a distance. When those on whom one relies remain worthy of closeness, they can also be taken as one's guides.”
Learning and Practice · 1.14
The Master said, “An exemplary person does not seek fullness in food or ease in lodging, is prompt in action and careful in speech, and goes to people who possess the Way to be corrected. Such a person may be called a lover of learning.”
Learning and Practice · 1.15
Zigong asked, “What do you think of being poor without flattery and wealthy without arrogance?” The Master replied, “That is acceptable, but it is not as good as being poor and joyful, or wealthy and devoted to ritual.” Zigong said, “The Odes say, ‘As if cut and filed, as if carved and polished.’ Is that what they mean?” The Master said, “Si, now I can begin discussing the Odes with you! I tell you what has gone before, and you understand what follows.”
Learning and Practice · 1.16
The Master said, “Do not worry that others do not understand you. Worry that you do not understand others.”
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