Synopsis The Sage is a book produced by an unnamed astrologer in service to the Emperor's court who lived during the one of the final centuries of the Second World. The author is also said by some to have been a personal tutor to the Emperor's children and a lecturer for the children of high-ranking nobles. This may have been the occasion for the writing of his books, which grew out of notes for his lectures to the future lords of the realm. After his death his book became standard curriculum in most court schools, and over fifteen commentaries were written by other scholars disputing the meaning and adding relevant exegesis.
The contents of his book center around a morally superb and virtuous model for mankind called the Sage. The author's reason for explicating the idea of the Sage is due to the degeneration of the high culture of the Realm which was very salient in his day. The various chapters of the book treat different attributes and activities of the Sage, as well as other metaphysical topics touching upon ontology, theology, mythology, etc. The book makes frequent references to the books and sayings passed down from even earlier epochs, including sources which have been lost.