The Analects express a philosophy, or a moral code, by which Confucius, one
of the most humane thinkers of all time, believed everyone should live.
Upholding the ideals of wisdom, self-knowledge, courage and love of one's
fellow man, he argued that the pursuit of virtue should be every
individual's supreme goal. And, while following the Way, or the truth,
might not result in immediate or material gain, Confucius showed that it
could nevertheless bring its own powerful and lasting spiritual rewards.