WorksheetsAnalects of Confucius
Total questions: 4
Worksheet time: 17mins
Analects of Confucius
Introduction
The Analects of Confucius (551–479 B.C.) is a collection of teachings by the great Chinese philosopher published in China around the year 1190. Divided into 20 “books,” the Analects features Confucius dialoguing with his students about numerous moral and ethical matters. Among the topics are how to respect one’s elders, how to conduct oneself in society, and how to maintain a government that is honest and principled.
What is the main subject of the Analects of Confucius?
Teachings of Confucius
History of China
Chinese Literature
Buddhist Philosophy
What years did Confucius live?
In what year was the Analects of Confucius published in China?
551 B.C.E
479 B.C.E
1190 C.E.
1000 C.E.
Which of the following topics is discussed in the Analects of Confucius?
Respecting one's elders
Advanced Warfare
Western philosophy
Economic theories
Primary Source
BOOK I
… CHAP. III. The Master said, “Fine words and an insinuating [subtle, crafty] appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.”
CHAP. IV. The philosopher Tsang (Sang) said, “I daily examine myself on three points:— whether, in transacting business for others, I may have been not faithful;— whether, in intercourse [conversation] with friends, I may have been not sincere;— whether I may have not mastered and practiced the instructions of my teacher.” …
CHAP. VI. The Master said, “A youth, when at home, should be filial [respectful of one’s parents], and, abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all, and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after the performance of these things, he should employ them in polite studies.”
CHAP. VII. Tsze-hsia (zee shaw) said, “If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if, in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere:— although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has.”
According to the passage, what are 'fine words and an insinuating appearance' seldom associated with?
True virtue
Wisdom
Success
Happiness
A youth, when at home, should be ___ to his parents.
(a)What does the word virtue most likely mean?
What does Confucius teach about relationships in this excerpt?
Young people should spend their time studying before showing respect to others.
A person should be faithful, sincere, and respectful to parents, elders, and friends.
It is more important to admire beauty than to follow teachers’ instructions.
Friendships are less important than serving one’s ruler.
What does Tsze-hsia (zee shaw) mean when he says that a man has learned something when he “withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous”?
True learning means valuing good character over outward appearances.
Education is achieved by studying art and beauty.
A wise person avoids serving parents and rulers.
Learning is only possible for those who are naturally gifted.
BOOK II.
CHAP. I. The Master said, “He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.”
CHAP. II. The Master said, “In the Book of Poetry [a very old collection of Chinese poetry, collected by Confucius] are three hundred pieces, but the design of them all may be embraced in one sentence— ‘Having no depraved [very evil] thoughts.’“
CHAP. III.
1. The Master said, “If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame.
2. “If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety [morally correct behavior], they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good.”
The pieces collected in the Book of Poetry, Confucius says, exemplify virtue in that they can be....
used to form a set of uniform laws that will teach people to have a sense of shame.
compared to a star that is a beacon for others.
interpreted as expressing rules of propriety.
summarized in a single sentence about not having evil thoughts.
According to the Master, if people are led by laws and punishments, they will try to avoid punishment but have no sense of ___.
shame
honor
fear
duty
BOOK XV
CHAP. XVII. The Master said, “The superior man in everything considers righteousness to be essential. He performs it according to the rules of propriety. He brings it forth in humility. He completes it with sincerity. This is indeed a superior man.”
CHAP. XVIII. The Master said, “The superior man is distressed by his want [lack] of ability. He is not distressed by men’s not knowing him.” . . .
CHAP. XX. The Master said, “What the superior man seeks, is in himself. What the mean man seeks, is in others.”
CHAP. XXI. The Master said, “The superior man is dignified, but does not wrangle [quarrel, bicker]. He is sociable, but not a partisan [a very strong supporter of a particular idea or person].”
CHAP. XXII. The Master said, “The superior man does not promote a man simply on account of his words, nor does he put aside good words because of the man.”
CHAP. XXIII. Tsze-kung (ze-kung) asked, saying, “Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life?” The Master said, “Is not RECIPROCITY such a word?”
According to the passage, what does the superior man consider essential in everything?
Righteousness
Wealth
Fame
Power
What is the superior man distressed by, according to the passage?
Lack of ability
Men not knowing him
Lack of wealth
Lack of power
According to the passage, what does the superior man seek?
Improvement within himself
The approval of others
Honor from rulers
Victory in arguments
What does Confucius say about judging men and their words?
Good men always speak good words
A man should only be valued for his actions, not his words
The superior man judges both the person and their words
Words have no value at all
Tsze-kung (ze-kung) asked, saying, “Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life?” The Master said, “Is not RECIPROCITY such a word?”
What does Confucius mean when he says that “reciprocity” can serve as a rule of practice for one’s life?
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Always seek revenge when wronged.
Focus only on improving yourself, not others.
Give gifts so that others will give you something in return.
