The Analects is a collection of sayings by Confucius and his disciples, compiled by his disciples and later generations of their students. It was completed in the early Warring States period. The book consists of 20 chapters and 492 sections. It is primarily written in the form of sayings, with some narrative passages, and chiefly records the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples. It offers a relatively concentrated account of Confucius’s political views, ethical thought, moral principles, and educational ideas. It is one of the classic works of Confucianism. Together with The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, and Mencius, it is known as the Four Books. Combined with The Book of Songs, The Book of Documents, The Book of Rites, The Book of Changes, and The Spring and Autumn Annals, they are collectively known as the Four Books and Five Classics.
