The Analects of Confucius was mainly written by Confucius' disciples, and some of it may have been written by Confucius' disciples who later studied seventy disciples, so the title, style and article style in the book are inconsistent. The core of Confucius thought recorded in The Analects of Confucius is "benevolence", and the concept of "benevolence" is the differentiated love from family. And this kind of "love" is embodied in the moral ethics of filial piety, brother, loyalty and faith and the slavery order of "monarch, monarch, minister, father and son" This is in line with the requirements of the later feudal ruling class. Therefore, the feudal rulers of past dynasties used Confucius to consolidate their rule and respected him as a "saint".
Confucius is in a transitional period with complicated contradictions, and some of his political thoughts have certain progressive significance. For example, he said, "a country that takes advantage of thousands of times, respects things and believes, saves money and loves others, so that the people can keep pace with the times." Another example is Zhong Gong's question about politics. He said: "Take the department first, forgive the small, and cultivate talents." When Ran Qiu collected money for Ji's family, he sternly condemned him and said, "It's not my apprentice! Boys can attack with drums. " Confucius sympathized with the poor. Gong Xi Chi Liqi, Ran Qiu invited Sue as his mother to join him in five pillars of islam. He said, "A gentleman is eager for quick success and instant benefit." Yuan Xian resigned and sold meat, saying, "No, be good to your neighbors." There are also many famous sayings about Confucius' attitude and methods of education and learning, such as "there is no class in teaching", "knowing is knowing, not knowing is not knowing", "there is no doubt in a threesome", "learning without thinking is useless, and thinking without learning is dangerous". Confucius paid the most attention to poetry teaching in his life, and once said to his disciples, "Poetry can be appreciated, observed, shared and resented." This is the earliest literary criticism in China, which is of great significance for understanding the value of The Book of Songs and guiding poetry creation.