Chinese Thought

From Confucius to Cook Ding

How did the ancient Chinese think about the world? What does environmental consciousness stand for in the Chinese tradition? Where does China's obsession with education come from?

We are often told that the twenty-first century is bound to become China's century. Never before has Chinese culture been so physically, digitally, economically or aesthetically present in everyday life in the Western world. But how much do we really know about its origins and key beliefs, especially compared to the many histories of Western philosophy?

In this enlightening book, Roel Sterckx, one of the foremost experts in Chinese thought, takes us through centuries of Chinese history, from Confucius to Daoism to the Legalists. With evocative examples from philosophy, literature and everyday life, he shows us how the ancient Chinese have shaped the thinking of a civilization that is now influencing our own.

At a time in current affairs when understanding China and the Chinese mindset has become imperative, Chinese Thought brilliantly shows us the origin of that country's thinking

Alexander Watson, BBC: History Magazine Books of the Year

About Roel Sterckx

Roel Sterckx is Joseph Needham Professor of Chinese History, Science and Civilization at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Clare College. He is a sinologist specializing in the cultural history, religion and thought of pre-imperial and early imperial China as well as the classical and literary Chinese language.
Details
  • Series: Pelican Books
  • Imprint: Pelican
  • ISBN: 9780141984834
  • Length: 512 pages
  • Dimensions: 183mm x 29mm x 111mm
  • Weight: 296g
  • Price: £12.99
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