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Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China

Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China
By Arthur Waley

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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

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #393809 in Books
  • Published on: 1939-06-01
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 240 pages

Editorial Reviews

Review
Fascinating both for its own sake and for its parallels with our own ways of thought in the West - E M Forster

Review

“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


“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

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

Customer Reviews

MASTERPIECE5
This work is one of the very few great English language classics in the exposition of traditional Chinese thought. It is delightful reading. Its author, Arthur Waley, remains long after his death the premier translator of traditional Chinese and Japanese literature. The pleasure of reading this book for the first time, years ago, influenced me in great measure to complete a doctorate in Far Eastern Languages and Civilizations. Today, it is the first book I recommend that my students read as an introduction to traditional Chinese thought; the book gives a clear glimpse of the value systems of people in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore right down to today. Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China, by Arthur Waley, is a book not to be missed by any educated person. Enjoy!

Everyone with an interest in the Far East should read this5
Mr. Arthur Waley has proven that a good work can stand the test of time. First published almost 60 years ago this work does a wonderful jobof explianing the differences between various schools of thought not just in China but in the rest of Asia.

The differences between the teachings of Chuang Tzu, Mencius and The realists may not seem like much to us westerners but these three groups have all done a lot to shape Asia.

The thing I like most about this book is that it is short and broken up into three parts. Therefore your mind doesn't do a blowout trying to digest all the material and you can study each school indivudally.

Overall-Great book, most of the stories are very deep and will hold some meaning for everyone if you are just willing to listen.

A brief glimpse of Chinese philosophy.4
Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China is a book that opens the door to Chinese philosophy. Some of the writing may be familiar, such as Confucius while other lagalist writing sounds more Machiavellian. A good book for an introduction to Chinese philosophy, much of it reads like poetry.