The Great Learning by Confucius
The Great Learning is a Chinese classic text, traditionally attributed to Confucius. It is one of the Four Books that Confucian scholars have studied for centuries. The text is composed of a short main text attributed to Confucius, followed by a chapter of commentary by his disciple Zengzi. The main text of The Great Learning is a short essay that outlines the path to moral and intellectual self-cultivation. It begins by emphasizing the importance of cultivating a good character and learning from the past. It then outlines the importance of setting up a proper social order, and the need to cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for the past. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the principles of the universe. The commentary by Zengzi expands on the main text, providing further explanation and elaboration. It explains the importance of cultivating a good character, and outlines the importance of studying the classics and understanding the principles of the universe. It also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a sense of reverence and respect for the past, and outlines the importance of setting up a proper social order. Finally, it outlines the importance of cultivating a sense of humility and self-reflection.
By Confucius · First published -436 · Genre: Philosophy, Religion, Classics · 10 chapters · 3,028 words
First lines
The point where to rest being known, the object of pursuit is then determined; and, that being determined, a calm unperturbedness may be attained to. To that calmness there will succeed a tranquil repose. In that repose there may be careful deliberation, and that deliberation will be followed by the attainment of the desired end.
Things have their root and their branches. Affairs have their end and their beginning. To know what is first and what is last will lead near to what is taught in the Great Learning.
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The Great Learning is listed on Textopian as an essay by Confucius, dated 436 BCE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Confucius
- Date: 436 BCE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Classics, Non-Fiction
- Length: 3,028 words
- Structure: 10 chapters, 94 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Great Learning by Confucius
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Philosophy — The Great Learning is a Confucian classic text, written by the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It is a collection of sayings and ideas that focus on the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Religion — The Great Learning is a Confucian classic text, which is based on the teachings of Confucius and his interpretation of the Chinese religion. It is a collection of sayings and ideas that focus on the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Classics — The Great Learning is a Confucian classic text, written by the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It is a collection of sayings and ideas that focus on the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Non-Fiction — The Great Learning is a Confucian classic text, written by the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It is a collection of sayings and ideas that focus on the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of knowledge, and is not a work of fiction.
Tags
China · Confucianism · Daxue · Master Zēng · Novel · Philosophy · Zengzi, 505-435 BC · accomplished · book · called · cultivated · depends
Contents
- Part 1: The Three Guidelines
- Part 2: The Eight Stages
- Part 3: Commentary on Making Bright Virtue Brilliant
- Part 4: Commentary on Making the People New
- Part 5: Commentary on Coming to Rest in the Highest Good
- Part 6: Commentary on the Eight Stages
- Part 7: Commentary on Balancing One's Mind
- Part 8: Commentary on Refining One's Person
- Part 9: Commentary on Aligning One's Household
- Part 10: Commentary on Ordering One's State and Setting the World at Peace