The Analects

1. What are the three daily check-in questions that Confucius's student asks himself each evening, and why do you think he chose these specific areas?

2. Why does Confucius emphasize that true learning brings joy even when others don't recognize your growth? What's the difference between learning for yourself versus learning for approval?

3. Confucius says true leaders are like the North Star—they don't chase power but stay steady while others gravitate toward them. What does this look like in practice?

4. Why does Confucius believe that leading through virtue works better than leading through punishment? What's the psychological difference?

5. What specific behaviors does Confucius criticize about the Chi family, and why does he consider their ceremonial displays inappropriate?

6. Why does Confucius believe that asking questions in the temple shows proper respect rather than ignorance?

7. Confucius says to choose your environment carefully because you become who you surround yourself with. What specific examples does he give of how environment shapes character?

8. Why does Confucius focus on small daily choices rather than grand gestures when building virtue? What's the difference between these approaches?

9. What specific method does Confucius use to evaluate his students' character, and how is it different from judging someone by their words or reputation?

10. Why does Confucius say he changed from trusting people's words to watching their actions? What pattern was he recognizing about human behavior?

11. Why does Confucius praise Yen Hui for never staying angry and never repeating mistakes, rather than for being the smartest student?

12. When Confucius says 'help the struggling, don't add to the rich,' what principle is he establishing about resource allocation?

13. Confucius describes himself as someone who 'loves the old ways and works hard to understand them' rather than someone who creates new ideas. What does this tell us about his approach to learning and leadership?

14. Why might Confucius's willingness to admit what he doesn't know actually make him more effective as a teacher and leader, rather than less?

15. Why did T'ai-po become legendary for refusing a kingdom three times, while most people would see this as throwing away an opportunity?