We live in an age of upheaval, where truth and justice tremble. The pace of change has never been faster, and with it, the moral and spiritual core of humanity wavers. Technology grows more sophisticated, yet the human heart becomes increasingly anxious. Data is believed to be more accurate than emotion, artificial intelligence replaces human thought, and profit takes precedence over justice. Society is fragmented, politics overflows with hypocrisy, and organizations trapped in conflicts lose their moral compass. Fraud and corruption, hatred and distrust have become the language of everyday life. The true crisis of our time is not technological advancement but humanity’s loss of direction.
It is precisely in such times that we must return to the roots of humanity. The Analects is not a mere classic text—it is a philosophical compass for restoring humanity and society amid confusion and conflict. Confucius saw the potential for change not in systems but in human morality; he valued virtue over power, righteousness over profit, and harmony over competition. His teachings breathe even more vividly today, in an age when political crises, organizational corruption, and social mistrust intersect.
The essence of The Analects lies not in eloquence but in authentic action. In a time overflowing with words, it is the weight of deeds that builds trust. The wisdom of Confucius is not limited to leaders in politics and organizations; it is also a guide for ordinary people to live successful and harmonious lives.
What we must learn is not simply how to change, but how to accept and lead change. The Analects teaches this very art—the wisdom to endure and flourish against the tides of time. Although written 2,500 years ago, its essence diagnoses today’s crises and illuminates the path forward. To read The Analects is not to study the past but to cultivate the human art of preparing for the future.
「Analects Commentary」. This new work takes a step further, reconstructing The Analects as a guidebook for life and moral action. While many commentaries have remained within philosophical interpretation, 「The Wisdom to Read the Times」 expands Confucian thought into practical modern dimensions, integrating examples from history, philosophy, literature, psychology, education, and management.
Drawing from both Eastern and Western classics, modern psychology, management theory, and literature, it explores how the wisdom of The Analects continues to live and breathe in our contemporary world. This commentary transcends disciplinary boundaries, offering a comprehensive exploration of human existence and the philosophy of action. It presents The Analects not as an abstract moral scripture but as a living manual of practical wisdom. Each chapter connects to themes of life and leadership, self-reflection and ethics, and the essence of human relationships, reviving Confucius’ teachings in the realities of modern life.
The teachings of The Analects are thus reborn—not as ancient lessons, but as living wisdom for personal growth, organizational ethics, and the rebuilding of social trust.
The Wisdom to Read the Times series consists of three volumes. series is composed of three volumes:
• Part I: The Wisdom of Life and Moral Insight — Explores human nature, moral origins, and the realization of benevolence in daily life.
• Part II: Political Philosophy and Leadership of Virtue — Investigates the principles of governance, trust, the harmony of rites and music, and leadership guided by moral virtue.
• Part III: The Wisdom to Read the Times — Explores self-reflection, scholarly cultivation, and the moral path of humanity in an ever-changing world.
This series does not stop at a humanistic or philosophical interpretation of The Analects. It is a work of modern humanities grounded in interdisciplinary synthesis—combining historical insight, philosophical reflection, literary sensitivity, psychological analysis, and managerial application into a coherent whole.
True learning does not accumulate in the mind but is engraved in the heart—and it manifests when what is learned is applied to reality. Transcending time and inspiring countless disciplines, The Analects offers enduring guidance for restoring harmony in turbulent times and rebuilding the integrity of human life.
Through this work, the author hopes readers will move beyond the mere joy of “learning and studying” to walk the living path of wisdom—realizing and practicing the teachings of The Analects in their own lives.
Chapter 01 The Wisdom of Completing Life 12
1.1 Joy in Learning and Practice 14
1.2 The Balance of Learning and Thinking 25
1.3 The Path of Learning and Moderation 32
1.4 Relentless Pursuit of Knowledge 40
1.5 Endless Knowledge and Enlightenment 47
1.6 Learning to Realize the Way 55
1.7 True Learning: through Self-Reflection Self-Reflection 66
1.8 Remembering, Loving, and Teaching 73
1.9 Poetry: Inspiration and Moral Cultivation 78
1.10 The Continuity of Learning 82
Chapter 02 Filial Piety: Benevolence and Morality 90
2.1 The Way of Filial and Fraternal Devotion 92
2.2 The Completion of Propriety 98
2.3 The Foundation of Politics 102
2.4 Governing through Moral Leadership 111
2.5 Virtue over the Form of Rites and Music 120
2.6 Self-Cultivation and Respect for Others 126
2.7 Beneficial and Harmful Friends 132
2.8 True Joy and False Delight 138
2.9 Discernment in Speech and Conduct 143
Chapter 03 The Practice of Benevolence and Virtue 155
3.1 The Virtues of Benevolence 157
3.2 The Path of Righteousness and Profit 165
3.3 Wealth and Poverty 172
3.4 Right Feelings of Love and Hatred 178
3.5 The Root of Wisdom 186
3.6 The Way of Understanding Humanity 191
3.7 A Multidimensionality of Love and Hatred 197
3.8 Righteousness or Profit 203
3.9 The Nine Reflections 209
3.10 Moral Resolve: Pursue Good, Reject Evil 215
3.11 The Nature of Wisdom and Benevolence 220
Chapter 04 The Way of Dignity and Restraint 224
4.1 Not Resenting Being Unrecognized 226
4.2 A Tranquil Heart: The Courage and the Anxiety 230
4.3 Uniting with Others Without Conformity 234
4.4 A Burden Heavy and a Road Long 238
4.5 Benevolence Starts with Family Duty 243
4.6 The Three Fears of the Noble person 251
4.7 The Power of Adversity 257
4.8 Neither Coveting nor Harming Others 262
4.9 The Wisdom of Speech and Action 266
4.10 Beyond Sensuality, Strife, and Greed 273
4.11 Seven Dispositions to Watch Out For 282
References 288
Index 291
This text stands out as a compelling review that moves beyond conventional classical commentary to confront the moral and existential crises of our time. It opens with a sharp diagnosis of contemporary society: technology advances at unprecedented speed, yet human anxiety deepens; data eclipses empathy; efficiency overrides justice. By identifying the core problem not as technological progress but as humanity’s loss of moral direction, the review immediately frames the discussion with urgency and relevance.
Within this context, The Analects emerges not as a relic of the past but as a living philosophical compass. The review persuasively argues that Confucius located the possibility of genuine change not in systems or structures, but in human morality itself. Virtue over power, righteousness over profit, and harmony over competition—these values are presented not as abstract ideals, but as practical correctives to political hypocrisy, organizational corruption, and widespread social mistrust.
One of the review’s greatest strengths lies in its emphasis on action over rhetoric. In an age saturated with words, it reminds readers that trust is rebuilt through the weight of deeds. Here, the wisdom of Confucius is shown to extend beyond political leaders or organizational elites; it becomes a guide for ordinary individuals seeking balanced, ethical, and meaningful lives. The Analects is reframed as a manual for everyday conduct, self-discipline, and relational integrity.
The discussion of Analects Commentary and The Wisdom to Read the Times series clearly articulates how this work distinguishes itself from traditional interpretations. Rather than remaining within the boundaries of classical philosophy, the series reconstructs The Analects through an interdisciplinary lens—drawing on history, literature, psychology, education, and management. This synthesis transforms Confucian thought into a form of modern humanities, one that speaks directly to contemporary life and leadership.
The three-part structure of the series further reinforces its coherence and ambition. Beginning with personal moral insight, expanding into political philosophy and virtuous leadership, and culminating in the wisdom required to navigate an ever-changing world, the progression mirrors the Confucian vision of self-cultivation extending into social harmony. The Analects is thus presented not as an abstract moral scripture, but as a living framework for ethical action and social trust.
Ultimately, this review delivers a clear and resonant message: true learning is not stored in the intellect but engraved in the heart, revealing itself through practice. By situating The Analects as a guide for the future rather than a study of the past, the text convincingly demonstrates why Confucius’ teachings remain urgently relevant. It invites readers to move beyond the pleasure of learning toward the discipline of living wisely—restoring humanity, integrity, and trust in an age defined by uncertainty.
Soon Keun Yu (PhD in Business Administration)
• Former Professor at Hallym University
• Graduated from Korea University (Business)
• Soongsil University Graduate School (PhD in Business
Administration)
• Received the Minister of Justice Award (Korea)
[Major works]
• How to Write A Winning Essay (Amazon)
• The Paradox of Lies: The Deceiver and the Deceived (Amazon)
• The Art of Timing: The Second Part of the I Ching (Amazon)
• The Art of Timing: The First Part of the I Ching (Amazon)
• A Bird that Flies Far Sees Far: The Wisdom of the I Ching (Amazon)
• The I Ching that Predicts Destiny (Amazon)
• The Book of Changes: Commentary Part 1 (Parkmunsa)
• The Book of Changes: Commentary Part 2 (Parkmunsa)
• The Analects of Confucius Part 1 (Parkmunsa)
• The Analects of Confucius Part 2 (Parkmunsa)
• Essay and Thesis Writing (Parkyoungsa)
• Even in Hell, Devils Don't Lie to Each Other (Parkmunsa)
• Logic and Fallacies, 3rd Edition (Parkyoungsa)
• Vertical Rise of Wealth: Asking for the Way to Ideas (Parkmunsa)
• Theory and Practice of Behavioral Change (Parkmunsa)
• Thesis Statistical Analysis: Analysis and Interpretation of SPSS and AMOS
(Co- authored by Yoo Jeong-je, Jinsam Media)
• Venture Start-Up and Management, 4th Edition (Parkyoungsa)
• New Product Development Theory (Parkyoungsa)
• Strategic Management for Global Leaders (Parkyoungsa)
• Sense Management (Jinsam Media)
• Entrepreneurship On/Off Marketing (Parkyoungsa)
• Service Marketing (Trade Management Publishing)
• Sense Marketing (Trade Management Publishing)
• Business Communication (Trade Management Publishing)