The Human Element: A Course in Resourceful Thinking - Softcover

Cleary, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1570622051 ISBN 13: 9781570622052

Publisher: Shambhala, 1996

Synopsis

Thomas Cleary explores the intricate relationship between technology and human resources, arguing that the management of human beings should be viewed as a unique form of technology. Drawing from ancient Eastern philosophical traditions, Cleary demonstrates how these teachings can cultivate insight and creativity to address the complexities of contemporary life. His work stands out by seamlessly integrating Confucian, Taoist, and Zen wisdom with modern organizational theory. He challenges the common misconception that humans and technology are fundamentally at odds, asserting that this belief is a misguided reflection of political and social dynamics rather than an inherent truth. Through his exploration of historical texts like the I Ching and Sun-tzu’s The Art of War, Cleary offers a fresh perspective on leadership and personal development.

As society becomes increasingly reliant on technology, Cleary argues that the development of human resources—creativity, insight, and adaptability—becomes paramount. The Human Element serves as a call to recognize and nurture the human element in the face of technological dominance, providing readers with practical strategies to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas Cleary holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. He is the translator of over fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and Arabic.

From the Back Cover

To judge people's true character, pay careful attention to what they do, not to what they say; to develop human resources successfully, first develop your own skills and resources; be exacting without being needlessly demanding; and don't dwell on the present but always look to future goals. These are just a few of the insights revealed in this basic course on how to recognize, organize, and develop human resources. Drawing on essential sources - such as Confucius, Lao Tzu, Sun Tzu, and the I Ching - Thomas Cleary shows what today's business executives, personnel managers, and political leaders can learn from these ancient Asian traditions about the inner dynamics of human interaction. Among the selections are passages from an important but less well-known work, The Thirty-six Strategies, which summarizes the powerful techniques of the Asian "art of advantage". Also provided are short, accessible introductions to Confucianism, Taoism, The Art of War, and the I Ching, along with lists of resources for further reading.

Edition details

• Publisher: Shambhala
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1570622051
• ISBN 13: 9781570622052
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144