A gender-neutral translation of the classical Chinese text "The Analects of Confucius" (Lunyu 論語) by the great Chinese philosopher Confucius (around 5th century BC).
Considered to be one of the cornerstones of Chinese ethics and bureaucracy, its contribution to the history of philosophy in general is invaluable.
From the ground up, this text was translated from the original classical Chinese into English to reflect the content in a modern way, inclusive of all genders. The original text is found side by side with the translation of all 81 verses.
The first in a series of gender-neutral translations from classical Chinese, Clark Gillian, identifying as non-binary themself, is committed to making classical philosophy accessible to all in their own way.
Said Confucius:
The virtuous think of humanity.
The narrow-minded think only of comfort.
The virtuous keep principles in mind.
The narrow-minded keep in mind how many favors are still available to them.
Said Confucius also:
The person who is constantly figuring out how to turn things in their favor will have to put up with many whispers.
Said Confucius:
One who thinks of decency in their decision making,
Why would they need to worry about indecency?
One who makes decisions without decency,
How can they expect decent results?
Said Confucius:
It is better to say:
"I don't care that I don't have a job,
I care about being prepared for one.
I don't care that I'm not famous,
I care about if I ever get famous,
It’s for something worthwhile.”
Said Confucius one day:
My teaching is that of an all-embracing unity.
One of his disciples then said:
Yes indeed.
But after Confucius finished his lesson, the other students clung to the one who had agreed and asked.
What did Confucius actually mean by that?
That student said:
Our master's teaching is to be true to ourselves and the rules of our own nature;
And then to apply them for the benefit of others.
There's nothing more to it!
Said Confucius:
The mind of the virtuous constantly revolves around what is righteous.
The thoughts of a narrow-minded are constantly milling about advantages and profits.
子曰
君子懷德，
小人懷土；
君子懷刑，
小人懷惠。
子曰
放於利而行，
多怨。
子曰
能以禮讓為國乎？
何有？
不能以禮讓為國，
如禮何？
子曰
不患無位，
患所以立；
不患莫己知，
求為可知也。
子曰
參乎！
吾道一以貫之。
曾子曰
唯。
子出。
門人問曰
何謂也？
曾子曰
夫子之道，
忠恕而已矣。
子曰
君子喻於義，
小人喻於利。
