The "Four Books and Five Classics" are classic works of Confucian thought in traditional Chinese culture, specifically comprising the "Four Books" and the "Five Classics."
The Four Books
The "Four Books" refer to the Great Learning (大学 Dà Xué), the Doctrine of the Mean (中庸 Zhōng Yōng), the Analects of Confucius (论语 Lún Yǔ), and the Mencius (孟子 Mèng Zǐ).
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The Great Learning (大学): Originally a chapter in the Book of Rites (礼记 Lǐjì), it was later singled out by Zhu Xi. It emphasizes the importance of personal cultivation and outlines the "eight principles" which are "investigating things, acquiring knowledge, sincerity of thought, rectification of heart, self-cultivation, regulation of family, good governance, and peace under heaven."
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The Doctrine of the Mean (中庸): Written by Zisi, Confucius' grandson, it emphasizes the Way of the Mean (中庸), viewing it as the highest moral state, urging people to act and speak with moderation and appropriateness.
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The Analects of Confucius (论语): A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his disciples, covering various topics including politics, education, and philosophy. It stresses the importance of "benevolence (仁 rén)" and "propriety (礼 lǐ)."
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The Mencius (孟子): Records the sayings and ideas of Mencius and his students, mainly elaborating on Mencius’s political thoughts, ethical views, and philosophical ideas, such as "benevolent governance (仁政 rén zhèng)" and the theory of innate goodness (性善论 xìng shàn lùn).
The Five Classics
The "Five Classics" refer to the Classic of Poetry (诗经 Shī Jīng), the Book of Documents (尚书 Shàngshū), the Book of Rites (礼记 Lǐjì), the I Ching or Book of Changes (周易 Zhōu Yì), and the Spring and Autumn Annals (春秋 Chūnqiū).
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Classic of Poetry (诗经): This is the earliest collection of Chinese poetry, reflecting various aspects of social life during the Zhou Dynasty. It contains 305 poems dating from the early Western Zhou Dynasty to the middle of the Spring and Autumn period.
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Book of Documents (尚书): Meaning "Ancient Books," it is a compilation of historical documents and records from ancient China, covering important speeches, decrees, and conversations from the early periods up to the early Zhou Dynasty. It provides insight into the political thoughts and governance philosophies of ancient China.
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Book of Rites (礼记): One of the key texts of Confucianism, this book mainly discusses the rites and ceremonies of the pre-Qin period. It embodies the philosophical, educational, political, and aesthetic ideas of early Confucian scholars, detailing the conduct and rituals expected in society.
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I Ching or Book of Changes (周易): Reputed as the foremost of all classics, its content is extensive and has had a profound influence on various fields in China for several thousand years, including politics, economics, and culture. It is used for divination and philosophy, presenting a system of cosmology and philosophy that is still influential today.
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Spring and Autumn Annals (春秋): Used for recording events with extremely concise language, almost every sentence implies praise or criticism, known as the "Spring and Autumn writing style" (春秋笔法). This chronicle covers the history of the State of Lu from 722 to 481 BC and is noted for its subtle way of expressing approval or disapproval through word choice and context.
