Confucius

Confucius is one of the 16 books that is part of the SSRC Philosophers Series called “Free Thinkers.” The series is an attempt to present the teachings of many of the great philosophers throughout history in a way that average readers without academic backgrounds can easily understand. Confucius (551–479 bce) was a humble teacher who became one of the most influential individuals in the history of humankind. The book introduces him rather than Confucianism as it has evolved over the centuries.  By quoting his sayings and conversations, as reported in the Analects, rather than doctrinal treatises by later Confucians explaining his meaning, the book conveys what he was like and how he taught. His way, his example, is the teaching as much as the words. He taught through dialogue with individual students, as together they contemplated Heaven, Earth, and humanity. His method effectively used yang, yin, and Dao as the logic of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. The book explains the five Heavenly Virtues of Sincerity (Xin), Benevolence (Ren), Right Action (Yi), Ritual Propriety (Li), and Wisdom (Zhi) within the framework of Confucius’ naturalistic understanding of the cosmos. His fundamental interest was not just earthly virtue but living in accordance with the will of Heaven (Tian ?). He pointed the way toward an expanded state of being brought to bear on every practical detail of human life.