The Five Classics (ePub)

Confucius (551-479 BCE), known as Kong Fuzi in his native Chinese, is one of the most influential philosophers in human history. His impact on East Asian intellectual and social history is profound, and his teachings have endured through the centuries. As a thinker, Confucius is credited with the compilation of 'The Five Classics', a cornerstone collection of ancient Chinese literature, which includes the 'Book of Songs', 'Book of Documents', 'Book of Changes', 'Book of Rites', and the 'Spring and Autumn Annals'. These texts became central to Chinese education and civil examinations for many centuries, shaping the moral fabric of the society through the promotion of values such as filial piety, humaneness, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom. Confucius' style of teaching espoused a practical moral philosophy, primarily concerned with ethical principles and the proper way to live. His aphorisms and sayings were later compiled by his disciples in the 'Analects', which remains a seminal work in understanding his philosophical approach. Despite being more of an editor and commentator on these classics rather than the sole author, Confucius' interpretations and moral philosophy were deeply infused in these texts, solidifying his legacy as a foundational figure in Confucianism, which remains a significant system of thought influencing Chinese and wider East Asian philosophy, culture, and government.