Reading Roberts’s new translation of the Analects along with Chin-shin Huang’s study of Confucianism as a religion is instructive because Confucius himself stands between two interpretations-readers can make their own conclusions from a clear and concise translation which is also interpreted by Roberts as he proceeds. And, of course, the fact that there are Confucian temples certainly suggests that Confucius’s teachings, much like Buddhism and Daoism, are more than just “philosophy” to many people.

This edition's translator is James Legge, a Scottish Sinologist who spent his lifetime in China translating the philosophical and artistic classics.Is Confucianism a religion, or is it a philosophy? “Confucius,” Moss Roberts tells us, “would address things present and manifest, that is, cultural presentations ( wenzhang), but not things invisible and speculative, that is, human nature ( renzhing) and the Way of heaven ( tiandao).” However, in the years after Confucius’s death in 479 BCE, his followers made “things invisible and speculative” the principal parts of the Analects, which had hitherto been “earthbound” and contained “no gestures towards the divine.” Chin-shing Huang, on the other hand, regards Confucianism as a real religion, basing his argument on Wittgenstein’s observation that religions have a “family resemblance”, thus suggesting, as Huang puts it, “the diverse and variegated nature of religion” rather than some monolithic or all-embracing definition. To better illustrate his points, examples and analogies are readily offered by Confucius, who engages with other philosophers through the course of the twenty named books comprising the core text. The politics of the time, rife with infighting between noble families and dukedoms, attract consideration of Confucius and his companions. The importance of family life and community cooperation are alluded to, offering insight into the mores and customs of ancient China. The subjects range from wise behavior in times of crisis to instruction upon how to live a peaceful life characterized by serenity, humility and good work. Originally, these sayings and conversations were penned during the Warring States period of Chinese antiquity. The complete twenty books of philosophic discussion by Chinese philosopher Confucius are presented here anew in hardcover.

Confucius and the analects