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The Analects – Chapter 17.11
Confucius questions whether ritual merely means jade and silk, or music only bells and drums. He criticizes empty formalism, stressing their true essence lies in inner reverence and harmony rather than superficial ceremonial objects.
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The Analects – Chapter 17.10
Confucius asks his son Boyu whether he studied Zhou Nan and Shao Nan, the foundational poems of The Book of Odes. He compares those skipping them to someone facing a wall, blind to family ethics and social norms, stressing poetry’s vital role in moral self-cultivation.
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The Analects – Chapter 17.9
Confucius urges students to study The Book of Odes, outlining its four core functions: inspiration, observation, sociability and proper grievance expression. It cultivates filial piety and loyalty while expanding knowledge of plants and animals, serving as a versatile moral and educational textbook.
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The Analects – Chapter 17.8
Confucius tells Zilu six virtues turn into six flaws without learning. Benevolence, wisdom, trust, candor, courage and resolve all slip into extremes when lacking study, proving learning is essential to restrain morality and avoid harmful bias.