Books That Matter: The Analects of Confucius

Join a renowned educator on an adventurous exploration of one of the world’s most important philosophical texts.

Overview

Course No. 4642

This 24-lecture course unlocks the timeless wisdom of Confucius’ Analects, revealing:

• Core Confucian concepts like filial devotion, ritual propriety, and consummate conduct
• Historical context from ancient China to modern global influence
• Practical applications for personal growth and social harmony
• Critical perspectives from Daoist, Legalist, and Buddhist thinkers

What You’ll Discover:

✓ How to read and interpret this classic text
✓ Confucius’ teachings on education, governance, and ethics
✓ The evolution of Confucian thought through Chinese history
✓ Why these 2,500-year-old ideas remain relevant today

Video Lectures

Section 1: Understanding the Text

01: The Hidden Teaching Dynamic (30 min)
Confucius’ mission to restore harmony to China

02: Bird’s-Eye View (28 min)
How to approach and “live” the Analects

03-05: Origins & Structure (30-32 min)
The man, the text, and its archaeological discoveries

06-07: Reading Strategies (29-30 min)
Key passages and interpretive techniques

Section 2: Confucius & His Students

08-09: Notable Disciples (29-31 min)
Zai Wo, Yan Hui, Zilu, and Zigong’s journeys

10: Purpose of Learning (31 min)
Applying teachings to the wider world

Section 3: Core Concepts

11-12: Filial Devotion (29-32 min)
Family as foundation of social order

13-15: Exemplary Conduct (29-30 min)
Loyalty, sincerity, virtue, and self-cultivation

16-17: Ritual & Music (30 min each)
Embodied practice and social harmony

18: Effective Governance (28 min)
Confucian principles for leadership

Section 4: Historical Impact

19-20: Early Interpreters (28-30 min)
Mencius expands; Daoists and Legalists critique

21-23: Neo-Confucianism (30-31 min)
Revival and adaptation through Chinese history

24: Modern Relevance (32 min)
From Cultural Revolution to global comeback