When the Classic of Filial Piety is mastered, and the Four Books are known by heart, the next step is to the Six Classics, which may now be studied. The Books of Poetry, of History, and of Changes, the Rites of the Chou Dynasty, the Book of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals, are called the Six Classics, which should be carefully explained and analysed. There is the Lien shan system, there is the Kuei tsang, and there is the system of Changes of the Chou dynasty; such are the three systems which elucidate the Changes. There are the Regulations, the Counsels, the Instructions, the Announcements, the Oaths, the Charges; these are the profundities of the Book of History. Our Duke of Chou drew up the Ritual of the Chou dynasty, in which he set forth the duties of the six classes of officials, and thus gave a settled form to the government. The Elder and the Younger Tai wrote commentaries on the Book of Rites. They published the holy words, and Ceremonies and Music were set in order. We speak of the Kuo fêng, we speak of the Ya and of the Sung. These are the four sections of the Book of Poetry, which should be hummed over and over. When odes ceased to be made, the Spring and Autumn Annals were produced. These Annals contain praise and blame, and distinguish the good from the bad. The three commentaries upon the above include that of Kung-yang, that of Tso, and that of Ku-liang. When the Classics are understood, then the writings of the various philosophers should be read. Pick out the important points in each, and take a note of all facts. The five chief philosophers are Hsün, Yang, Wên Chung Tzŭ, Lao Tzŭ, and Chuang Tzŭ. When the Classics and the Philosophers are mastered, the various histories should be read, and the genealogical connections should be examined, so that the end of one dynasty and the beginning of the next may be known.