“Despite the existence of many schools of thought and the spread of several religions in China, Confucianism has always been the most influential on Chinese culture, politics, and administration. Despite all the fierce campaigns waged against it, Confucianism has managed to persist and exert a clear influence on the thought and behavior of contemporary Chinese society. Today, after China’s great economic rise and the world’s increasing desire to engage with the Chinese, we believe that this engagement will be easier and more effective if we understand the intellectual, moral, and religious foundations of the Chinese people. We believe that the Gospel of Confucius provides the best source for this knowledge.

The Gospel of Confucius is the title of the first book in the collection of texts from which this book’s texts were selected. These texts concisely and clearly record Confucius’s views and sayings as recorded by his followers, encompassing general conduct and interactions. It is considered one of the most influential books on Chinese culture from the time of Confucius to the present day.