*****= An all-time favorite
**** = Outstanding
*** =
Above average
**
= Enjoyable
*
= Good, with reservations
***Confucius
The Golden Rule
by Russell Freedman
illustrated by Frédéric Clément
Reviewed December 6, 2003.
Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic Press), New York, 2002. 48 pages.
Available on Amazon.com for $11.17 in hardcover.
Available at Sembach Library (J MCN 181 FRE).
This is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated account of the story
of the life of Confucius. I had no idea that he was more a political
teacher than a religious one. He spoke up for the idea that a ruler
must have the consent of his people long before that idea was popular in
the west. Indeed, it was not popular with Chinese rulers, either.
This is an interesting and informative book, explaining what we know
about Confucius and his life, and sprinkled with some of his wise sayings.
“An exemplary person should be slow to speak yet quick to act.”
“Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.”
“I am fortunate indeed. Whenever I make a mistake, there is always
someone to notice it.” (Did you ever feel like that?)
Book Reviews by Sondra
Eklund