Five Classics

The Five Classics are five ancient Chinese texts that form the foundation of Confucian education and philosophy. They include the *Book of Changes* (I Ching), a guide to understanding change and harmony; the *Book of Documents*, containing historical speeches and government principles; the *Book of Poetry* (Shijing), a collection of poems reflecting society and morality; the *Book of Rites* (Liji), outlining rituals and social norms; and the *Spring and Autumn Annals* (Chunqiu), a historical record of the state of Lu. Together, these texts shaped ideas about morality, governance, and social order in classical China.