Prose · LT501

Pre-Qin Masters

Foundational philosophical treatises from the Hundred Schools of Thought.

28works

5dynasties

26authors

Zhou

19 works

1046–221 BCE

  1. ZhuangziZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Heaven and Earth were born together with me, and the ten thousand things and I are one.
  2. Classic of the Way and VirtueLaozi (traditionally attributed)The Way that can be spoken of is not the constant Way; the name that can be named is not the constant name.
  3. The AnalectsAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)To learn and practice it in due season—is that not a joy? To have friends come from afar—is that not a delight?
  4. MenciusMenciusNot corrupted by wealth, not swayed by poverty, not bowed by force: this is what I call a great man.
  5. XunziXunzi (Xun Kuang)Blue dye comes from the indigo plant, yet it is bluer than the plant.
  6. Han FeiziHan FeiWhen the age changes, affairs change; when affairs change, the measures must change too.
  7. The Art of WarSun Wu (Sunzi)War is a vital matter of the state: the ground of life and death, the road to survival or ruin. It must be studied with care.
  8. MoziMozi (Mo Di) (traditionally attributed)When all under heaven love one another universally there is order; when they hate one another there is chaos.
  9. The Great LearningZengzi (traditionally attributed)The way of great learning lies in illuminating bright virtue, in renewing the people, and in resting in the highest good.
  10. Doctrine of the MeanZisi (traditionally attributed)Before joy, anger, sorrow and delight arise, there is equilibrium; when they arise in due measure, there is harmony.
  11. Book of ChangesKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Heaven moves with vigor; the noble person, accordingly, strives to strengthen himself without ceasing.
  12. LieziLie Yukou (Liezi) (traditionally attributed)Who says you know so much?
  13. Six Secret TeachingsJiang Ziya (the Grand Duke) (traditionally attributed)The world is not the world of one man; it is the world of all the world. Whoever shares the benefits of the world gains the world; whoever monopolises them loses the world.
  14. Rites of ZhouDuke of Zhou (traditionally attributed)The king establishes the state, distinguishes the directions and fixes positions, lays out the capital and the fields, sets up offices and divides duties, as a standard for the people.
  15. GuanziGuan Zhong (traditionally attributed)When the granaries are full, people know ritual and propriety; when food and clothing are sufficient, they know honour and disgrace.
  16. Book of Lord ShangShang Yang (traditionally attributed)There is no single way to govern the world; to benefit the state one need not imitate antiquity.
  17. WeiliaoziWei Liao (traditionally attributed)The Yellow Emperor's method was simply human effort.
  18. Ceremonial RitesDuke of Zhou (Ji Dan) (traditionally attributed)In a good month on an auspicious day, the first cap is placed upon you.
  19. Master Lü's Spring and Autumn AnnalsLü Buwei (comp.)Twelve almanacs, eight surveys and six discourses drawing on all the schools.