PhilosophersConfucius
Confucius
Becoming human through learning, ritual and benevolence.
Confucianismv. 551 – 479 av. J.-C. ChinaTeacher of wisdomVirtue ethicsPolitical thinkerEducator
Ve – IIIe s. av.
Analects (Lunyu) essential
Confucius wrote nothing. These are sayings and short scenes recorded by his disciples and their successors after his death, in several layers. Books 3 to 9 are thought to be the oldest; books 16 to 20 are later (book 16 calls him "Kongzi" rather than "the Master").
trad.
Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu)
A chronicle of the state of Lu from 722 to 481 BC. From Mencius onwards, tradition says Confucius wrote or revised it. Many modern historians doubt it.
trad.
The Classics (Odes, Documents, Rites…)
Tradition credits him with selecting and arranging the old books he taught. These texts are older than he is; his exact role as editor is disputed.
IIIe s. av. ?
Classic of Filial Piety (Xiaojing)
Presented as a dialogue between Confucius and his disciple Zengzi. Scholars see it as a much later work written by Confucians.