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Confucius traced his teachings back to Yao and Shun,and took Wen and Wu as his models for institutions.Above, he conformed to the rhythms of Heaven’s seasons;below, he followed the patterns of earth, water, and soil.
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7.20 The Master said, “I for my part am not one of those who have innate knowledge. I am simply one who loves the past and who is diligent in investigating it.”
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7.5 The Master said,”How utterly have things gone to the bad with me! It is long now indeed since I dreamed that I saw the Duke of Zhou.”
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Analects 7.1 The Master said, “I have transmitted what was taught to me without making up anything of my own. I have been faithful to and loved the Ancients. In these respects, I make bold to think, not even our old Peng can have excelled me.”