HPC 16. To Become or Not to Become: the Confucians on Our Moral Natures

The Book of Odes, also known as the Classic of Poetry or Book of Songs, is a collection of 305 poems that date back to the 11th to 7th centuries BC. It includes folk songs, minor and major court hymns, and eulogies. The poems cover a wide range of themes such as love, nature, daily activities, and social issues. Although traditionally attributed to Confucius, the actual authors are unknown and likely include various individuals from the Eastern Zhou period. The collection has been a cornerstone of Chinese education and Confucian learning for centuries, providing insights into early Chinese society and culture[1][3][5].

The Tao Te Ching is a Chinese classic text traditionally credited to Laozi. It is a central work of Taoist philosophy, discussing the nature of the Tao (the Way), the balance of opposites, and the path to a harmonious and virtuous life. The text is composed of 81 short chapters or verses and is known for its use of paradox, analogy, and poetic language to convey its philosophical ideas.