The name Confucius is Latinized from the Chinese characters
meaning "the Master Kung." Confucius's father was a reputable soldier but
not a man of opulence. A few years after Confucius's marriage, Confucius,
became a public teacher; he wandered from place to place and attracted numerous
devotees. He investigated the rules and the nature of government.
Most Chinese thoughts, if not all, are originated from Confucianism.
Confucius, morally and politically, became the dominant Chinese philosopher even
long after his death.
During the Han dynasty, to strengthen his government, an
emperor adopted Confucian thoughts, and admired Confucianism-related works,
which include The Analects.
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No sooner was he dead, however, than his wisdom was recognized by peasant
and emperor alike; admiration rose to veneration, veneration to worship.
Sacrifices were offered to him, temples built in his honor, and a cult
established which has lasted almost two thousand years.
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The Analects was probably compiled by the students of Confucius. This book contains famous quotations of Confucius. Although the author of The Analects cannot be determined, one can surely say that the book was not written by Confucius himself, since the book contains many third-person references to Confucius.
The Analects
- Translated to English
http://eawc.evansville.edu/