Elementary Learning (小学)
Item
- Title
- Elementary Learning (小学)
- Chinese Title
- 小学
- Romanizations
- Xiao xue
- Xiaoxue
- Hsiao-hsüeh
- Alternate Chinese Title
- 小學
- Alternate Chinese Title Romanization
- Parvulorum schola
- Author(s)
- Zhu, Xi
- Year
- 1187
- Summary
-
The Xiaoxue (or Hsiao-hsüeh), compiled by the Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhu Xi in 1187, is a foundational primer for moral education. Often translated as "Elementary Learning" or "Lesser Learning," it was designed as the essential precursor to the Daxue (Great Learning).
Rather than abstract metaphysics, the text focuses on practical ethics and daily conduct. It compiles classical excerpts and historical anecdotes to teach youth the "basics": filial piety, respect for elders, and proper etiquette. Zhu Xi believed that a disciplined character—forged through everyday virtues—provided the necessary moral bedrock for deeper philosophical study later in life.
- Item sets
- Classical Texts
Linked resources
| Title | Class |
|---|---|
| Liber VI. Parvulorum Schola seu Doctrina, sinicè Siao Hio | TranslationSection |
| Livre de l'école des enfants | TranslationSection |
| Siao Hio ou l'Ecole des Enfants. Sixiéme Livre Classique | TranslationSection |
| Siao Hio ou l'Ecole des Enfants. Sixième Livre Classique | TranslationSection |
| Title | Class |
|---|---|
 Description [...] de l'empire de la Chine (1735) |
Translation |
 Description [...] de l'empire de la Chine (1736) |
Translation |
 Doctrinae Sinicae brevis indagatio |
Translation |
 From Confucius to Zhu Xi |
Translation |
 Les Livres Classiques de l’Empire de la Chine, recueillis par le Pere F. Noel, précédés d’Observations sur l’origine, la nature & les effets de la philosophie morale & politique dans cet empire. |
Translation |
 Philosophia sinica tribus tractatibus |
Translation |
 Sinensis Imperii Libri Classici Sex |
Translation |