Critique of Traditional Chinese Thought (Including Supplement)

Author: Cai Shangsi (Author), Li MiaoGen (Introduction)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Cai Shangsi was a renowned scholar in the history of Chinese thought. In the 1940s, he wrote a series of critical articles on Confucianism and its modern manifestations in response to the widespread reverence for Confucianism at the time, which were compiled and published in 1950 under the title A Comprehensive Critique of Traditional Chinese Thought. In the Preface, Cai Shangsi stated, "Traditional Chinese thought is almost feudal thought, and feudal thought is almost Confucian thought." Confucianism had become "the heaviest spiritual tool and the greatest poison in the minds of most Chinese people." The book, titled A Comprehensive Critique of Traditional Chinese Thought, was essentially a critique of Confucianism and Confucian studies, with a sharpness and severity that surpassed others of his generation and even the prominent figures of the May Fourth New Culture Movement. This critical stance toward Confucius and Confucianism ran throughout Cai Shangsi's life. Re-reading this masterpiece, which best represents Cai Shangsi's academic thought, not only allows for a deeper understanding of his intellectual ideas but also helps contemporary scholars reflect more deeply on and recognize traditional culture. The book is preceded by an introduction written by Li MiaoGen, Cai Shangsi's academic assistant, which is believed to be highly beneficial for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Cai Shangsi and his work.