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