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Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China
 
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Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China [Paperback]

Arthur Waley (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Book Description

June 1, 1939
“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

Frequently Bought Together

Customers buy this book with The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic (Penguin Classics) $9.08

Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China + The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic (Penguin Classics)


Editorial Reviews

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


“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

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

Product Details

  • Paperback: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Stanford University Press (June 1, 1939)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0804711690
  • ISBN-13: 978-0804711692
  • Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #739,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

5 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars MASTERPIECE, July 4, 2000
By 
Eugene W. Levich (Liberty, New York USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China (Paperback)
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!
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone with an interest in the Far East should read this, June 26, 2004
This review is from: Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China (Paperback)
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.

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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great on its own or as a starting point for further reading., March 24, 2009
This review is from: Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China (Paperback)
If ancient Chinese philosophy is new territory for you, definitely start by reading this book. Arthur Waley's style is very readable, combining short translations with insightful commentary and analysis. I found the stories from Chuang Tzu to be especially entertaining. Before this, I read Waley's translations of "The Analects of Confucius" and the "Tao Te Ching". These were good but they left me with more questions than answers and they were a good deal drier in their approaches. For those with a casual interest in Chinese philosophy this book will scratch your itch. For those interested in learning more it will guide you in right direction. Highly recommended.
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