Spirit and Atmosphere of the Chinese Character

Author: Cao Shichao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: What are the fundamental reasons for the rise and fall of the Chinese nation? Why will China become a world-class country decades later? Why has the Confucian lineage endured for over two thousand years? Why has ancient China always been governed by virtue rather than by law? Why do ancient Chinese dynasties change, yet history and culture continue? Why does military conquest in China always proceed from north to south, while cultural assimilation goes from south to north? Why does China focus more on the study of human nature than on practical matters? Why is Chinese metaphysics developed while science is weak? Why does China struggle in the manufacturing of spiritual products but excel in cultural industries? Why are the three stages of a Chinese person's life: indulgence, fulfillment, and freedom? Why can a single orchid inspire hundreds of masterpieces by Chinese artists? Why do Chinese people pay special attention to the taste of food? This book addresses these and other puzzles with six core concepts.
Chinese culture can be summarized in six simple sentences: emotional nature, natural spirit, metaphysical system, moral customs, figurative thinking, and situational language. Before delving into Chinese culture, it is necessary to clarify three questions: why is this the right time to discuss Chinese culture, how to approach it, and how to read this book. This will help readers follow the logic smoothly and avoid confusion.