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The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics), Book 16 summary

Book 16 of 20 · 7 min to read the book

In Book 16, Confucius rebukes ministers who support an attack on Chwan-yu and argues that political security depends on harmony and virtue rather than conquest. Other sayings examine authority, friendship, pleasure, learning, and self-restraint, while Po-yu describes instruction from his father about poetry and proper conduct.

What happens

  1. Zan Yu and Chi-lu report a planned attack on Chwan-yu, and Confucius holds them responsible for failing to restrain their chief.
  2. Confucius links stable rule to rightful authority, social harmony, and the attraction of outsiders through virtue.
  3. He distinguishes helpful friendships and pleasures from harmful ones, then describes proper speech, restraint, reverence, and learning.
  4. He outlines nine concerns for careful conduct and contrasts material wealth with the lasting praise given to virtue.
  5. Po-yu tells Ch’an K’ang that his father directs him to study the Odes and propriety, without giving him private lessons.
  6. The final passage lists forms of address for a ruler’s wife.

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In this book

ConfuciusChi K’ang

Quick check

What two subjects does Po-yu say his father tells him to study?

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