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zachlittrell's review against another edition
3.0
“He is no disciple of mine. My little children, beat the drum and assail him.”
There is some surprising moments tucked between Confucius's sage advice on becoming a 君子 (superior person). Maybe it's the translator's particularly odd word choices, but Confucius was certainly quotable:
Most of his advice is common sense, or generally good ideas: act right, seek knowledge, and treat people well and you'll be treated well in return. Basically, don't be a dick about the social contract.
What holds this back for me is two parts, and biggest is that it's hard to really understand without commentary. It's very fragmentary at times, and refers to people and states I don't know from Adam (it certainly doesn't help that Confucius refers to his disciples by multiple names).
The other problem is I just plain don't always agree with the often contradictory points of view. It seems like the writers of this, his followers, put very different messages in his mouth, like:
or
Maybe there's a subtle difference, but more likely it's two guys who wanted Confucius to be a certain way -- either the strict arbiter of order, or the wise hermit sage.
Its flaws, though, make it fascinating as a view of both Confucius the man and the myth -- whatever his followers thought was important to know. And I love that at least one of them felt it essential to mention that, for all his propriety and self-restraint, he sure loved booze.
There is some surprising moments tucked between Confucius's sage advice on becoming a 君子 (superior person). Maybe it's the translator's particularly odd word choices, but Confucius was certainly quotable:
My ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth
The accomplished scholar is not a utensil
The filial piety nowadays means the support of one’s parents. But dogs and horses likewise are able to do something in the way of support
Most of his advice is common sense, or generally good ideas: act right, seek knowledge, and treat people well and you'll be treated well in return. Basically, don't be a dick about the social contract.
What holds this back for me is two parts, and biggest is that it's hard to really understand without commentary. It's very fragmentary at times, and refers to people and states I don't know from Adam (it certainly doesn't help that Confucius refers to his disciples by multiple names).
The other problem is I just plain don't always agree with the often contradictory points of view. It seems like the writers of this, his followers, put very different messages in his mouth, like:
If he reach the age of forty or fifty, and has not made himself heard of, then indeed he will not be worth being regarded with respect.”
or
I will not be afflicted at men’s not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men.
Maybe there's a subtle difference, but more likely it's two guys who wanted Confucius to be a certain way -- either the strict arbiter of order, or the wise hermit sage.
Its flaws, though, make it fascinating as a view of both Confucius the man and the myth -- whatever his followers thought was important to know. And I love that at least one of them felt it essential to mention that, for all his propriety and self-restraint, he sure loved booze.
It was only in wine that he laid down no limit for himself
dianaolivia's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
The Analects of Confucius is not the kind of book you read from beginning to end in a linear fashion. Instead, it’s a collection of quotes and explanations that invite reflection. You can flip through and read random passages, each offering wisdom on various aspects of life. A lot of the content feels like general advice, such as being respectful to elders. However, there are also some ideas that may not resonate with everyone. For example, I didn't fully agree with the emphasis on showing greater respect to people of higher titles, as it implies a rigid hierarchy in relationships
gilgamesh_'s review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
Many of the passages just don't make sense. On top of that, some have context that says "it is unclear what this passage means." And I get it, I really do as a history major, but being told that I just read a paragraph that has no explanation is not helpful.
On the contrary, some of the passages were really good, and can still be applied to modern day.
On the contrary, some of the passages were really good, and can still be applied to modern day.
astrolibrarynerd's review against another edition
The interspersed commentaries of this edition were too distracting for me. 😅
Penguin edition. 🐧
Library book. 🎒
Penguin edition. 🐧
Library book. 🎒
slypig's review against another edition
3.0
There was a lot that went over my head, and a little I didn't feel directly applied to my life. But there was also a lot of truth and wisdom here, and it aligned really well with my own religious beliefs (I kept making mental cross-references to passages in the Bible and the Book of Mormon as I read this). Definitely worth reading overall, and I'm glad I took the opportunity to get better acquainted with Confucius and his teachings.
xhissix's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't understand have of what the book was saying.. Kept jumping from one thing to another.
And although it is hard for me to leave a book I started unfinished.. I honestly can't see anyone of finishing this with me understanding it.. So what's the point of reading without absorbing the words..
Total waste
And although it is hard for me to leave a book I started unfinished.. I honestly can't see anyone of finishing this with me understanding it.. So what's the point of reading without absorbing the words..
Total waste