Excerpt from Confucian Cosmogony: A Translation of Section Forty-Nine of the Complete Works

The writings of Choo-taze come next to the Classics in the opinion of the Chinese. 'As regards the learning of Confucius, Choo alone," say the Chinese historians, "fully comprehended its true import; and has transmitted it to future generations so perfect and immaculate, that were Confucius himself, or any of the ancient Sages to come back to life, they would not alter what he has written." The opinions of Choo-foo-tsze, therefore, constitute the orthodoxy of China, and all who differ from him are considered heterodox, insomuch that some modern, writers, who have dared to dissent from his views, have not only failed in obtaining office, but have also been prevented, through fear of persecution, from publishing their lucubrations."

This philosopher flourished, during the Sung Dynasty. He was born A. D. 1130, in the reign of Kaou-tsung at Hwuy-chow, in the province of Ngan-hwuy; and died A. D. 1201 at the age of 71. His father was a Member of the Board of Office. It is related that when Choo-tsze was only four years of age, his father, pointing to the sky, pronounced the word "Heaven," whereupon the child, to the father's astonishment, asked the question, "What is there above it?"

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