The Analects

The Analects, attributed to Confucius and his disciples, is a foundational text of Confucianism, capturing a diverse array of teachings and sayings from the philosopher. Compiled during the Warring States period and finalized in the mid-Han dynasty, it originally served as a commentary on earlier texts but evolved into a central work of Confucian thought. Confucius aimed to cultivate ethical individuals who embody integrity, articulate their thoughts clearly, and conduct themselves with dignity.