The Analects: Confucius’s Philosophies for Life (Overview)

The Analects: Confucius’s Philosophies for Life (Overview)

What’s the best way to learn about the world? How can you avoid telling lies, even by accident? How might you get people to trust you as a leader? These are just a few questions that Confucius answers in The Analects, a collection of his philosophies. The teachings cover topics such as showing respect for your parents, living a life of integrity, the value of hard work, and the Chinese principles of ren and wuwei. Continue reading for an overview of one of the foundational books of Confucianism.

Study the Past: Why Confucius Urges Us to Respect Tradition

Study the Past: Why Confucius Urges Us to Respect Tradition

Why doesn’t Confucius think he came up with any new ideas? If you want to be a good person, where does Confucius think you should start? Confucius looked back to the values and practices of the past to find wisdom for living today. He believed that certain traditions are worth keeping alive. This is reflected in The Analects, where he discussed the importance of respecting where we come from. Read more to learn why we would do well to study the past and respect tradition as Confucius did.

Confucius: Learning Requires Open Eyes & an Open Mind

Confucius: Learning Requires Open Eyes & an Open Mind

Do you see everything as a learning opportunity? Are you eager to figure out things for yourself? According to Confucius, learning throughout life is vital. Whether it’s picking up new ideas and skills or gaining insights from other people, you should keep your eyes and your mind open to what you can learn and how you can grow. Read more to learn what Confucius had to say about learning in The Analects.

What Is Ren? The Confucian Concept of Humaneness

What Is Ren? The Confucian Concept of Humaneness

What is ren? Do you practice it? What difference would it make if you did? In The Analects, Confucius defines a good person as someone who strives to improve the world. He believes that good people must be altruistic. In other words, they act to help other people and don’t simply seek personal gain through their behavior. Continue reading to learn about the Confucian virtue of ren and how to practice it in your life for the betterment of the world around you.

Confucius: Virtue Is About Making the World a Better Place

Harnessing the Force of Love to Change Your Life

What is shu? How can it guide your behavior in life? What’s Confucius’s recipe for morality? For Confucius, virtue is paramount in life. The Analects contain practical advice for how to become a good person. Confucius discusses the principle of shu, and he shares four more qualities you should embody if you want to be a force for good in the world. Keep reading to learn the Confucian way of morality.

The Analects: Quotes That Illuminate the Teachings of Confucius

The Analects: Quotes That Illuminate the Teachings of Confucius

How well do you know what Confucius taught? What did he actually say? Confucius is one of the most famous philosophers in history. The Analects is a collection of his teachings compiled by his most devoted students, and it’s one of the foundational books of Confucianism. In it, you’ll find lessons about how to be a good learner, person, and leader. Keep reading for several The Analects quotes that shine a light on Confucianism.

What Are Critical Theories? Lindsay & Pluckrose Explain

What Are Critical Theories? Lindsay & Pluckrose Explain

What are critical theories? How are they a new take on postmodernism? Why are they popular? Authors, academics, and cultural critics Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay dive into the history of social justice in their book Cynical Theories. They believe the movements started out on a positive note but eventually became corrupted through critical theories. Read on to understand what critical theories are, including their methods and doctrines.

The Origins of Psychology: From Plato to William James

The Origins of Psychology: From Plato to William James

What are the origins of psychology? Where did early ideas about consciousness come from? Psychology is the study of human thought and behavior, as well as the mental processes that underpin them. In its infant form, psychology dealt with the concept of human consciousness before experimentation and behavioral observation. Below we’ll explore that transition by discussing the history of basic psychology.

Abandon Ideology: Beyond Order Rule 6 (Jordan Peterson)

Abandon Ideology: Beyond Order Rule 6 (Jordan Peterson)

What, exactly, is an ideology? What are its limitations? How can people find meaning and direction without them? According to Jordan Peterson, ideology should be dropped. In Beyond Order, he discusses the pitfalls of ideology and recommends an alternative path toward civil society and personal fulfillment. Read more to learn why Peterson urges us to abandon ideology.