Cover of The Chinese Classics — Volume 1

The Chinese Classics — Volume 1

by James Legge

Reading level
Easy
Price
Free

About the book

"The Chinese Classics — Volume 1: Confucian Analects" by James Legge is a translation published in the 19th century of ancient sayings attributed to Confucius. This foundational philosophical text explores moral cultivation through virtue, filial piety, and ritual propriety. Confucius taught that a nation's welfare depends on ethical leadership and individuals reconciling personal desires with social responsibility. His teachings shaped East Asian thought for millennia, emphasizing how properly educated people demonstrate respect, integrity, and consummate virtue in all aspects of life.

  • China
  • Chinese literature

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #4094. The Chinese Classics — Volume 1 on Wikipedia.

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