Books That Matter: The Analects of Confucius

By: Robert André LaFleur

Narrated by: Robert André LaFleur

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Compiled centuries before the birth of Jesus, the Analects of Confucius is anything but dry ancient philosophy. Many of its passages hold the same power as any great Socratic dialogue. Which makes trying to get to the heart of the Analects - and its importance - a challenging and undeniably exciting intellectual pursuit.

With these 24 accessible lectures, enjoy an adventurous exploration of one of the world's most important philosophical texts. Filled with rich historical context, detailed close readings of key passages, expert interpretations of larger cultural trends, and stories of Confucius and his most notable students (and critics), these lectures are required learning for anyone who wants a solid understanding of Eastern philosophy - and the ways a single book can cross cultures and go on to inspire an entire world.

After grounding your approach to the Analects with a look at what we know (and don't know) about Confucius' life, career, and teaching philosophy, you'll examine some of the book's most powerful, central themes. Among these are remonstrance (an idea at the heart of Chinese social and political life) and effective rule (which, for Confucius, required a grounding in morality and integrity).

As you illuminate your understanding of key passages in the Analects, you'll also meet the students, philosophers, and statesmen who, in their own ways, contributed to the millennia-long story of this enduring book - by recording Confucian thought, critiquing it, building on it, pillorying it, and resurrecting it for the modern age.

As with all great philosophical experiences, the Analects is a work whose intellectual richness and insight remain with you long after you've heard the final passages. So, too, will these lectures, which will help internalize Confucian teachings - and make them work in your own life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

More a course on Confucianism then the analects

Great course that makes Confucianism accessible. I was expecting more on the text itself. Overall worth it.

Great lecture indeed.

As an Indonesian-Chinese, discovering what my parents and grandparents think (mine was from Taiwan) when they're still children gives me quite a shock. Many lesson did survive - not explicitly thought, but learned through example. And I remember reading comic books about 5 chinese teaching as a child - finding out here that a person whose conduct I most admired as a child turned out to be someone who ignores advice and died as a result is quite the experience though.
As for the content, I can't really say - Personally I find the connection with the teaching of the Bible extremely interesting and enlightening. The lecture was interesting but there're a few (very, very sparse) awkward silence lasting seconds. Overall, it is very good.

Fantastic for beginners or advanced Kongzi readers

I've read a lot about Kongzi (Confucius) and many of the other great Chinese philosophers, but I got a lot of good value from this course. Wish I'd found this earlier, and will be listening to this again.

Somethings never change.

As I go through the series of Books That Matter, I realize we have not changed that much in over 2500 years.

intellectually and historically honest

A fascinating study of a core part of Chinese culture and philosophy. The analyses of historical events and documents, the actual text of the analects, and the more subtle philosophy behind it is instructive enough. On top of all of that great info, the course includes more modern history of China and some of the impacts of traditionalist culture on modern China and therefore, the world.

Great introduction to Confucius

Emphasis on overview rather than critical engagement. Overall great theoretical framework for further study into Confucius, but rather pedantic if you already have some principles of social anthropology under your belt. Lecturer initially seemed overzealous, but enthusiasm was later matched with detail in the subject that only someone passionate about their research could observe

A rain of knowledge and understanding.

Magnificent work by the lecturer, combining his in experience in asian history and Chinese culture; was just brilliant!

Engaging and thoughtful.

I struggle with Eastern thought and culture. It doesn’t come naturally and I rarely find teachers or materials that are able to hold my attention when it comes to this topic.

This course does a good job not over, simplifying the thoughts or important beliefs, intrinsic in the analects, while still making it very accessible to a hopelessly western person like me.

Enlightening!!!!

A wonderful history and explanation of China's most influencial scholar, Confucius still remains relevant today.

A Great Intro to Confucian Thought

The lecturer has a great voice, a string command of metaphors and really knows his shit. One of the best lectures I've gotten from the great books series and I've gone through almost over ten now. Highly recommended.