Spirit of Chinese Philosophy (Text and Image) (Text and Image)

Author: Feng Youlan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: A country without philosophy is like a magnificent temple without a statue—empty and hollow, merely outwardly impressive, for it lacks something to believe in and something to respect. —(German) Hegel
The "Dao" discussed in this book is not the same as the "Dao" in New Logicism. The "Dao" in this book explains the "Dao" in New Logicism. The "Dao" in New Logicism is philosophy. This book discusses the "Dao" in New Logicism, so this book is not a book about philosophy but rather a book that discusses philosophy. The purpose of writing this book is to describe the development of the mainstream of Chinese philosophy, criticize its strengths and weaknesses, and reveal the position of New Logicism in Chinese philosophy. Therefore, it first discusses the old school and then introduces the new tradition. When the similarities and differences are clear, the path of continuation becomes evident. Perhaps then, people will understand that the reason New Logicism is called "new" is not merely for show.
In recent years, there have been new interpretations of the old school, and I have also shared them through this book with the contemporary world. Thus, this book is not only a companion to New Logicism but also a supplement to my earlier work, A History of Chinese Philosophy. The book consists of ten chapters, with one dedicated to the new tradition. I treasure it as if it were a precious broom, though I may be ridiculed for it. However, Confucius said: "Even after King Wen passed away, was not the literature not in my hands?" And Mencius said: "If the sages were to return, they would surely follow my words." With such confidence, even Laozi's followers, who were gentle and humble, said: "Those who truly understand me are rare, and those who value me are even rarer." How could they have such high self-expectations?
The way of learning is to each their own. When faced with righteousness, one should not yield—this is the natural order of things. While writing this book, I often discussed it with Mr. Ding Gongwu and Mr. Shen Xigong. I also thanks Mr. Tang Xiyu, Mr. He Zizhao, and Mr. Lin Xizhao for reviewing the manuscript and providing corrections.