For 2,500 years the writings of China's great sage have represented the moral principles as well as the day-to-day standards of conduct for countless millions of people in the East. Today, as much as ever, his doctrines influence the way of life of the most populous nation on earth. The English text was prepared for the Modern Library edition under the editorship of Lin Yutang. His Introduction clarifies for the Western reader the great ethical teachings of Confucius.