# XXIII explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## What happens

Tsze-chang asks Confucius whether the affairs of ten ages hence can be known. Confucius replies that since the Yin dynasty followed the regulations of the Hsiâ, and the Châu dynasty followed those of Yin, the nature of their additions and subtractions can be known. Therefore, even a hundred ages hence, the affairs of any successor to the Châu can be known.

## Themes in this chapter

### Learning and Knowledge

Confucius demonstrates that knowledge of the past allows one to understand the future, emphasizing the value of historical learning.

### Ritual and Propriety

The discussion of dynastic regulations implies the importance of ritual and propriety as the foundation of governance.

## Character check-ins

### Tsze-chang

Asks Confucius whether the affairs of ten ages after could be known.

### Confucius

Explains that the regulations of successive dynasties can be known, and thus future affairs can be predicted.

## Key lines

> The Yin dynasty followed the regulations of the Hsiâ: wherein it took from or added to them may be known.

The Yin dynasty built upon the regulations of the Hsiâ, and the specific changes it made can be understood.

_Confucius uses historical precedent to show that the nature of dynastic change is knowable._

> Some other may follow the Châu, but though it should be at the distance of a hundred ages, its affairs may be known.

Even if a future dynasty follows the Châu, its affairs can be predicted even a hundred generations later.

_This statement underscores the predictability of governance based on the pattern of following established regulations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters/xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters