Confucius

Of the three main teachings in Chinese culture, Confucianism has exerted the most profound and lasting influence in China.While Confucianism (a term coined by Westerners) refers to a tradition (Ruism) that predated Confucius, it is most closely associated with Confucius (551-479 BCE), who determined its later development. Confucius's ideas are reflected in his conversations with students, mostly recorded in theAnalects. However, this book also brings into discussion those sayings of Confucius that are recorded in other texts, greatly expanding our perspective of the original Confucius. Scholars in the past, unsure about the authenticity of such sayings, have been reluctant to use them in discussing Confucius's view. However, recent archaeological findings have shown that at least some of them are reliable. Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexedis a clear and thorough account of authentic Confucius and his ideas, underscoring his contemporary relevance, not only to Chinese people but also to people in the West.

1. The Life of Confucius: "A Homeless Dog" \ 2. Morality: Why You Should Not Turn the Other Cheek \ 3. Virtue: How to Love Virtue as You Love Sex \ 4. Moral Education: How to Teach What Can Only be Learned by Oneself \ 5. Filial Piety: Why an Upright Son Does Not Disclose His Father Stealing a Sheep \ Notes \ References \ Index