About the Podcast
Exploring the Analects takes you passage by passage through the collected teachings of Confucius. Host Elliott Bernstein provides fresh translations, historical context, and insights for Mandarin learners while demonstrating the continued relevance of 2,500-year-old philosophical ideas to modern life.
The Analects, compiled by followers of the Confucian way in China between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE, contains hundreds of passages touching on topics that can still teach us how to live our lives today.
Each episode includes an informal interpretation, the original Chinese text with pronunciation, formal translation, philosophical discussion, linguistic notes for Chinese learners, and contextual analysis.
Episodes
Don't be a Tool
Confucius explains how to put your capabilities to good use. Learn about the concept of 君子 and why broad learning matters.
Teachers Aren't Gatekeepers
Confucius's revolutionary approach to education. Learn about 有教無類 and why teaching should be accessible to all.
Parking Reserved for Employee of the Year
Explore seating preferences and social hierarchy in ancient China through Confucius's habits.
Use Your Words
Confucius on the purpose of language and the distinction between words that communicate and words that manipulate.
Won't you be my neighbor?
Explore the concept of 德 or moral charisma and how virtue naturally attracts community.
The Corner Office
Learn about leadership qualities and meritocracy through Confucius's praise of his disciple Yong.
Somebody Needs a Vacation
Learn about ritual propriety and mindful living through three passages describing Confucius's habits around eating, sleeping, and temple visits.
Disclaimer: Serving Suggestion
Learn about four qualities that Confucius considered prerequisites for human-heartedness: resoluteness, grit, simplicity, and sincere speech.
You're Out There in the Trenches
Learn about moral charisma (德), meet Confucius's warrior-disciple 子路, and explore the chaotic Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.
Winner Takes All
Learn when Confucius believed it was right to disobey your superiors, why rigid honesty can be a moral failing, and the difference between petty fidelity and true discretion.