(9.8) In this passage, I noticed both similarities and differences between Confucius' and Socrates' approaches to philosophy. While they both deny possessing wisdom, despite being considered among the greatest thinkers in history, here Confucius says he "attack[s] the question from both ends until [he has] gotten to the bottom of it," whereas Socrates attacked held beliefs until their underlying principles had fallen through. I wonder if this passage implies that Confucius thought that every question could have some sort of resolution with enough thought and effort, and how this idea plays into his claim that he does not possess wisdom.

(6.3) Throughout the Analects, Confucius emphasizes the importance of a love for learning, such as in this passage where he laments the death of Yan Hui, one of his disciples who was unique in his possession of this trait. Confucius identifies a love of learning as one of the most important virtues to cultivate, as it ensures that one never becomes complacent with their current state and continues to display humility and to pursue self-improvement. He seems to have a strict policy for what this entails, as he describes Yan Hui's love of learning as involving never taking out his anger on others or repeating a mistake. I am surprised that Confucius reports having but one disciple who fit his definition of loving learning, given that the virtue is so central to his philosophy.

(2.13) In reading the Analects thus far, I have noticed an emphasis on action rather than words, as seen in this passage in which Confucius states that an exemplary person first accomplishes something before telling others about their plan to accomplish that thing. Confucius seems to place significant importance on doing moral and valuable actions solely because they are the right things to do, rather than to project a certain image to others or appear virtuous. I wonder how this fits in with other examples of philosophy, such as outwardly questioning beliefs, as in the case of Socrates, or sharing our ideas about the world, and if Confucius believes that doing so would be less valuable than following a moral path quietly and independently.