Informational Books: Confucius: The Golden Rule

Bibliography
Freedman, Russell. 2002. CONFUCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE. Ill. by Frederic Clement. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN 978-0439139571

Plot Summary
This biography of Confucius takes the reader through the many teachings of this great sage. Confucius was a minor government official in ancient China when he decided to leave his post to live a life of teaching his followers.

“The Analects” is a collection of his teachings based on the writings of his students and his students’ students. Confucius is not known to have ever written down any of his own ideas and teachings. He had many ideas about how governments should be run, “What is the purpose of government? It is to promote the welfare and happiness of the people—all the people” as well as on education, “”When people are educated, distinctions between classes disappear.””

Confucius’ teachings are still just as wise today as they were 2500 years ago. Many governments, including our own, based many of their laws on his teachings. His most famous is perhaps the Golden Rule: Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.

Critical Analysis
Russell Freedman’s CONFUCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE is a wonderful introduction to this wise man from so long ago for the young teen audience. Freedman mentions at the beginning the lack of authenticated information about this great man, but that he has based his story of Confucius on “The Analects,” writings of his disciples based on his teachings.

Freedman weaves Confucius’ teachings with his life story, but it is not overwhelming for the young teen who already feels they have been given enough advice. He also does a fantastic job of making Confucius’ teachings relevant by highlighting their use in modern democratic ideals. Confucius believed that government jobs should be given to those most qualified, regardless of social class. This ideal plays out many modern governments around the globe.

At the end of the book, Freedman notes his research process and provides a list of preferred resources for further study. He also provides an index of famous sayings.

The illustrations were provided by Frederic Clement. The Chinese-style paintings appear to be just as ancient as the great philosopher; adding to this feel is the disintegrating picture frames. Each picture in accented with berries and flowers, lending to the image of sitting under the trees listening to Confucius as leaves flutter to the ground from above. The illustrations are full page and appear on every other page adding a buffer to the large amount of text that might otherwise turn off some teen readers.

Russell Freedman and Frederic Clement have created a valuable contribution to the biographies the world’s greatest philosophers.

Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
ALA Notable Book
Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2002
School Library Journal Best Book of 2002
Washington Post Top 10 Kids’ Books of 2002
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Freedman’s Confucius jumps off the page…fascinating narrative…”
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Clément’s moody, ethereal illustrations complement the thoughtful text, yet play up the mystery of Confucius’s life.”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL “…Freedman compellingly conveys the profundity of his thoughts…”

Connections
*After reading the text, students can create a classroom constitution based on Confucius’ teachings.
*In small groups, students can discuss what Confucius might say about current events.
*Other books about Confucius and other ancient philosophers:
Carew-Miller, Anna and Shi-ming Zhang. CONFUCIUS: GREAT CHINESE PHILOSOPHER. ISBN 978-1590841495
Don Nardo. HISTORY MAKERS - ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS. ISBN 978-1590182819
Usher, M. D. WISE GUY: THE LIFE AND PHILOSOPHY OF SOCRATES. ISBN 978-0374312497