Three-character classic
The three-character classic ( Chinese 三字經 , Pinyin Sānzì Jīng ) is a didactic poem for Chinese schoolchildren that was used in Taiwan in the Republic of China until the 1960s. It was compiled in the 13th century by Wang Yinglin ( 王 應 麟 , 1223–1296), a renowned Confucian scholar. Therefore, it also conveys the basic values of Confucianism .
The poem consists of 1,200 characters grouped in verses of three characters each.
It starts with the famous words:
「人 之初
性 本 善」
- 三字經
In Pinyin :
「
Rén zhī chū xìng běn shàn」
- Sānzì Jīng
That means something like: "In the beginning people are (the people) are good".
Web links
Wikisource: Three-Character Classic - Sources and Full Texts (Chinese)
