The Analects of Confucius (or the Analects) is a record of the deeds and sayings of Confucius, and discussions between him and his disciples. The contents were written and compiled by the sage’s first- and second-generation disciples. As a shining gem in the treasure house of Chinese culture, the Analects was found in wide circulation as early as in the late Spring and Autumn Period and early Warring States Period, or about 2,400 years ago, before it became the most authoritatively referenced orthodox book of Confucianism in Chinese history. The Analects is composed of 20 books (or chapters), with more than 10,000 Chinese characters. Broad and profound, concise yet comprehensive, the Analects was respected as the textbook of life for the Chinese people, and had an enormous influence on the development of Chinese thought and culture in olden times. Nowadays, after centuries of being transmitted abroad, the Analects has become a part of the international cultural heritage, shared by people all over the world.