Confucian Documents

"To learn without thinking is unavailing; to think without learning is dangerous"

-Confucius

The books that make up the Confucian tradition may be the oldest books in the Chinese literary tradition; although these books did not reach their final form and did not attain canonical status until the late second century.
Although there are five core Confucian texts, the other Confucian texts merited much importance because of their presumed antiquity. They have remained at the center of education throughout the dynasties and their influence have spread throughout East Asia.
When becoming educated, the Confucian classics were often extensively memorized with detailed commentary on the chapters and verses.
Although there are five core classics listed here, the Confucian tradition complied a total of thirteen books.

Explore the five core texts.