Mencius Parallels [Ping]

Author: Nan Huaijin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Mencius is a classic masterpiece of Confucianism and also the most important source for studying the life and deeds of Mencius and his doctrines. Many inspiring and time-honored maxims originate from it. Countless works have been written to interpret the thoughts of the "Second Sage," but almost none are suitable for contemporary readers. Under the influence of various theories such as the "criticism of Lin and Confucianism" and the "struggle between Confucianism and legalism" during the Cultural Revolution, contemporary people know almost nothing about Mencius's ideas. Unlike traditional scholars who overly emphasize textual exegesis, this book explains Mencius's thoughts through extensive references. It is a lecture record by the renowned Taiwanese scholar Nan Huaijin on Mencius. The author adopts the method of "combining classics and history," taking the original text of Mencius as the "classic" and the social background and activities of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods as the "history," supplemented by various historical stories and social phenomena. It provides an in-depth explanation of Mencius's character and how his thoughts influenced his conduct in life. It allows readers to easily and profoundly absorb the influence of traditional Chinese culture in a lively atmosphere, enrich their knowledge of history and literature, and gain wisdom for life. At the end of the book, there is an appendix listing bibliographies of Mencius studies throughout history.