ABSTRACT
This chapter is found with the Book of Rites, but in the twelfth century Zhu Xi (1130-1200) selected it as one of the Four Books that present the essence of Confucian teachings. It was intended to be a practical guide to self-improvement for rulers and government officials, but its tenets can be generalized to any person. The text and the commentary that follows it have long been treated as a single work. The chapter illustrates illustrious virtue; to renovate the people; and to rest in the highest excellence. The point where to rest being known, the object of pursuit is then determined, a calm unperturbedness may be attained to. To that calmness there will succeed a tranquil repose. In that repose there may be careful deliberation, and that deliberation will be followed by the attainment of the desired end. The ancients who wished to illustrate illustrious virtue throughout the kingdom ordered well their own States.
