Podcast Summary: Episode 366 - 'The Analects' by Confucius

Introduction

In Episode 366 of The Great Books Podcast, hosted by John J. Miller of National Review, the discussion centers around The Analects by Confucius. Joining Miller is Erin Klein, a Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University and the author of A Guide published by Oxford University Press, as well as Little Sprouts and the Dao of Parenting: Ancient Chinese Philosophy and the Art of Raising Mindful, Resilient, and Compassionate Kids. The conversation explores the significance of The Analects, Confucius's legacy, and the text's relevance in contemporary society.

Understanding The Analects

Erin Klein begins by elucidating why The Analects is considered a great book:

"Because it really tells us what it means to live a good life and how to go about doing it." – Erin Klein [00:53]

Unlike Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, which outlines virtues, The Analects focuses on cultivating these virtues through tangible practices and rituals, providing concrete instructions for leading a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Composition and Structure

John J. Miller inquires about the nature of The Analects, questioning if it's a collection of miscellaneous works or a curated compilation. Klein explains:

"The ancient Chinese term lunyu, which we translate as Analects, means selected sayings or collected sayings. And so this is a composite text." – Erin Klein [01:54]

The Analects comprises records of Confucius's teachings as transcribed and edited by his disciples and their followers. While the text appears as a series of aphorisms and wisdom snippets, there is an underlying thematic organization that clusters passages around specific virtues and concepts.

Key Concepts in Confucianism

The discussion delves into several core Confucian ideas, notably ren (benevolence or kindness) and filial piety.

• Ren (Benevolence):

  Klein describes ren as a multifaceted and expansive virtue:

  "Ren really represents the sum total of all the different virtues. ... It really does represent the state of your character when you are flourishing to the greatest extent possible." – Erin Klein [07:05]

  Ren encompasses various virtues such as filial piety, generosity, gratitude, and compassion, forming the foundation of a virtuous character in Confucian thought.

• Filial Piety:

  Addressing the concept's complexity, Klein elaborates:

  "Filial piety from a Confucian perspective is a multifaceted virtue, which means that we're going to have to use multiple, multiple English words to kind of get the sense of what it means." – Erin Klein [09:51]

  Filial piety involves deep respect, reverence, gratitude, and love for one's parents and elders. It is considered the root of all other virtues in The Analects, emphasizing its paramount importance in personal and societal harmony.

• Rituals:

  The role of rituals in Confucianism is another critical topic:

  "He was offering an argument for the way in which rituals don't just...they actively shape us into good people." – Erin Klein [12:21]

  Confucius advocated for rituals not merely as social etiquettes but as essential practices that cultivate virtues and foster a harmonious society.

Confucius: The Man Behind The Teachings

Miller seeks to understand Confucius's identity and his posthumous influence. Klein notes:

"He is like Socrates in a couple of different ways... we don't have any writings from him, also like Jesus in that way." – Erin Klein [15:31]

Confucius, known as Kongzi in East Asia, was a pivotal thinker whose teachings were compiled by his disciples. Unlike Socrates, who left no writings, The Analects represents Confucius through the lens of his followers, fostering a rich tradition of commentary and interpretation.

Legacy and Influence

Klein asserts the unparalleled influence of Confucius:

"Confucius is the most influential thinker in human history, period." – Erin Klein [04:46]

This influence extends beyond China to East and Southeast Asia, shaping cultural norms around family values, governance, education, and social harmony. Confucian principles have also seeped into Western practices, such as the civil service examinations inspired by Confucian meritocracy.

Confucianism vs. Western Virtues

When comparing Confucian virtues to Western traditions, Klein highlights both similarities and distinct emphases:

"Before Aristotle was talking about human flourishing, the Confucians were talking about human flourishing." – Erin Klein [08:30]

Both traditions value human nature and the pursuit of a good life, though Confucianism integrates virtues like filial piety and ritual as foundational elements more prominently than their Western counterparts.

Erin Klein's Translation and Approach

Klein discusses her forthcoming contemporary translation of The Analects:

"I reorganize the text, and you'll see in my translation, it's organized thematically." – Erin Klein [21:19]

Her approach involves thematic organization to enhance accessibility, allowing readers to grasp the unified vision of Confucian philosophy rather than viewing the text as disjointed wisdom snippets.

Confucianism in Modern Parenting

Erin Klein connects Confucian wisdom to modern parenting in her book Little Sprouts and the Dao of Parenting. She shares practical applications:

"As a parent, I'm constantly translating them, writing about them, teaching them... they really have helped me to find different ways of coming at problems and challenges with my kids." – Erin Klein [28:35]

By integrating Confucian and Taoist principles, parents can adopt diverse strategies to raise mindful, resilient, and compassionate children, emphasizing the adaptability and enduring relevance of ancient wisdom.

Relevance of The Analects Today

Concluding the conversation, Klein underscores the contemporary significance of The Analects:

"He was convinced that the key to helping his society find its footing was going to be cultural and moral. And I think that's something that has enduring value for us today as we find ourselves living in really challenging times." – Erin Klein [30:26]

In an era marked by social and political turmoil, the moral and cultural guidance offered by Confucian teachings provides valuable insights for fostering societal harmony and personal integrity.

Conclusion

Episode 366 of The Great Books Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of The Analects by Confucius, highlighting its profound impact on both Eastern and Western thought. Through Erin Klein's expertise, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Confucian virtues, the historical context of Confucius's teachings, and their timeless relevance in today's world. The discussion not only illuminates the philosophical depth of The Analects but also demonstrates its practical applications in areas such as leadership and parenting, affirming its status as a cornerstone of the Western literary canon.

Notable Quotes

• On the Purpose of The Analects:

  "It really does represent the state of your character when you are flourishing to the greatest extent possible." – Erin Klein [07:05]

• On Filial Piety:

  "Filial piety is called the root of the other virtues in Analects 1 2." – Erin Klein [10:52]

• On Rituals Transforming Individuals:

  "If you're just gonna go through the motions, forget about it. You might as well not do the ritual at all." – Erin Klein [22:40]

• On Confucian Influence in the West:

  "The practice of civil service examinations is actually something that comes to the west through thinkers like Voltaire." – Erin Klein [18:45]

Further Resources

For those interested in delving deeper into Confucian philosophy and its applications, Erin Klein's upcoming translation of The Analects and her book Little Sprouts and the Dao of Parenting are highly recommended. These works provide accessible and practical insights into integrating ancient Chinese wisdom into modern life.