Original Authors: Confucius and his disciple Zengzi
Date Written: c. 5th century BCE
Description
The Great Learning, also known as Da Xue, is one of the Four Books in Confucianism, traditionally attributed to Confucius and his disciple Zengzi. Originally a chapter in the Book of Rites, it was later separated and became one of the foundational texts of Confucian thought. The Great Learning emphasizes the importance of personal development, moral cultivation, and the pursuit of knowledge as essential components for achieving social harmony and good governance. The text is divided into a main section, which outlines the principles of Confucian philosophy, and ten commentary chapters that provide further insights and explanations. The Great Learning teaches that self-cultivation begins with the investigation of things, leading to the extension of knowledge, sincerity of the will, rectification of the mind, cultivation of personal life, regulation of the family, governance of the state, and ultimately, peace in the world.
James Legge's translation, first published in 1891, remains one of the most respected English versions of the Great Learning. His work provides a comprehensive and accessible interpretation of this classic text, making it available to a wider audience.
Where to Find This Work
Great Learning (Da Xue)
Credit: Confucius (traditional attribution); Zengzi (commentaries); James Legge & other translators
Summary: A modern digital presentation of the Great Learning, offering the full Chinese text with selectable translations by James Legge, Pauthier, and others. The edition includes Zengzi’s commentaries and provides multilingual navigation (Chinese, English, French), along with contextual notes and excerpts from Legge’s introduction. It is ideal for readers who want to compare translations or study the text with integrated linguistic support.
Publication Date: Ancient text; modern digital presentation
Great Learning (Da Xue)
Credit: Confucius (traditional attribution); Zengzi (commentaries); James Legge (translator)
Summary: A modern reprint of James Legge’s classic English translation, presenting the Great Learning in a contemporary physical format. The content preserves Legge’s 19th‑century scholarly structure and terminology, offering a reliable historical rendering for readers who prefer a printed edition of the Confucian classics.
Publication Date: Ancient text; modern reprint of the 19th‑century translation
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