Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China (China: History, Philosophy, Economics) (China: History, Philosophy, Economics, 36) - Softcover

Waley, Arthur

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415612802 ISBN 13: 9780415612807

Publisher: Routledge, 2011

Synopsis

First published in 1939. This book consists chiefly of extracts from Chuang Tzu, Mencius and Han Fei Tzu. Chuang Tzu's appeal is to the imagination; the appeal of mencius is to the moral feelings; realism, as expounded by Han Fei Tzu, finds a close parallel in modern Totalitarianism and as a result these extracts from a book of the third century B.C. nonetheless have a very contemporary connection.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

“Whether he is ‘journeying with Chuang Tzu in the realm of Nothing Whatever,’ analyzing the Confucian ideal type of Government by Goodness (as advocated by Mencius), or discussing the practical advice to rulers given by Han Fei Tzu and other realists, Mr. Waley contrives, as is his wont, to extract savory and satisfying fare from the frequently dry bones of ancient Chinese philosophy. . . . The book is enhanced by the polished and lucid style of Mr. Waley’s translations.”—The Times Literary Supplement
“Chuang Tzu, Mencius, and the Realists, three conflicting points of view from the 4th century B.C., are discussed in this well-presented work.”—Second Wave Books on Asia

Review:

"Chuang Tzu, Mencius, and the Realists, three conflicting points of view from the 4th century B.C., are discussed in this well-presented work." (Second Wave Books on Asia)

"Whether he is 'journeying with Chuang Tzu in the realm of Nothing Whatever,' analyzing the Confucian ideal type of Government by Goodness (as advocated by Mencius), or discussing the practical advice to rulers given by Han Fei Tzu and other realists, Mr. Waley contrives, as is his wont, to extract savory and satisfying fare from the frequently dry bones of ancient Chinese philosophy. . . . The book is enhanced by the polished and lucid style of Mr. Waley's translations." (The Times Literary Supplement)

"The book is full of memorable phrases and amusing aphorisms. It reveals a world at once close to us and very far away." (New Statesman and Nation)

"The book has substantial scholarly basis and contains much fresh translation. It is presented in so readable a style that one unfamiliar with both philosophy and things Chinese can enjoy and profit by it for the light it casts on contemporary thought and world affairs." (Journal of Philosophy)

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0415612802
• ISBN 13: 9780415612807
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 280