Synopses & Reviews
Confucius is perhaps the most important philosopher in history. Today, his teachings shape the daily lives of more than 1.6 billion people. Throughout East Asia, Confuciuss influence can be seen in everything from business practices and family relationships to educational standards and government policies. Even as western ideas from Christianity to Communism have bombarded the region, Confuciuss doctrine has endured as the foundation of East Asian culture. It is impossible to understand East Asia, journalist Michael Schuman demonstrates, without first engaging with Confucius and his vast legacy.
Confucius created a worldview that is in many respects distinct from, and in conflict with, Western culture. As Schuman shows, the way that East Asian companies are managed, how family members interact with each other, and how governments see their role in society all differ from the norm in the West due to Confuciuss lasting impact. Confucius has been credited with giving East Asia an advantage in todays world, by instilling its people with a devotion to learning, and propelling the regions economic progress. Still, the sage has also been highly controversial. For the past 100 years, East Asians have questioned if the region can become truly modern while Confucius remains so entrenched in society. He has been criticized for causing the inequality of women, promoting authoritarian regimes, and suppressing human rights.
Despite these debates, East Asians today are turning to Confucius to help them solve the ills of modern life more than they have in a century. As a wealthy and increasingly powerful Asia rises on the world stage, Confucius, too, will command a more prominent place in global culture.
Touching on philosophy, history, and current affairs, Confucius tells the vivid, dramatic story of the enigmatic philosopher whose ideas remain at the heart of East Asian civilization.
Review
Christopher Patten, former British Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong KongThis fascinating book rescues Confucius, his teaching, and his wisdom from the authoritarian embrace which has so distorted what we should learn from the Analects. Michael Schuman helps us to better understand Asias past, present, and indeed future.”
Review
John Negroponte, former Director of National IntelligenceMichael Schuman skillfully traces the ebb and flow of Confucius influence through the millennia. He also reflects on the enduring impact of Confucian thought on the lives of millions of contemporary East Asians. As the United States attention shifts increasingly towards that part of the world, Schumans book enriches our understanding of the values underlying that dynamic region.”
Christopher Patten, former British Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong
This fascinating book rescues Confucius, his teaching, and his wisdom from the authoritarian embrace which has so distorted what we should learn from the Analects. Michael Schuman helps us to better understand Asias past, present, and indeed future.”
Review
Wall Street JournalLively and well-rounded.... A very satisfying account.”
Asian Review of Books
Wonderful.... No reader could do better than Michael Schuman as a contemporary guide to Confucius. Confucius emerges from these pages a real human figure, not an icon from the past, and his philosophy is attractive and alive, too.”
Publishers Weekly
Part biography, part history, and part analysis of Chinese current affairs, this remarkable book…traces the lasting influence of Confucianism in China, despite enormous political and social changes in Chinese society.”
Library Journal
A great read for anyone interested in Confucius, philosophy, or culture in East Asia.”
O.A. Westad, author of Restless Empire: China and the World since 1750
A fine account of Confucius world, and of the use and misuse of the Masters thinking throughout Chinese history. Whoever wants to understand China must start with Master Kong!”
Jon Huntsman, former United States Ambassador to China
Michael Schumans book is nothing short of indispensable reading for anyone trying to comprehend the local, regional, and global impact of China and its motivating philosophical underpinnings. Todays China is an extension of its past and Confucius guiding influence remains at its core. China is incomprehensible without this intellectual framework. To that end, Confucius is a generationally significant contribution.”
Evan Osnos, author of Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China
To understand the philosophical heart of East Asia, read this book. In his vibrant and engaging portrait of Confucius, Michael Schuman gives us the sage as we've never seen him, undeniably shaping modern politics, business, and private life for a quarter of humanity. It is a marvel of intelligent research, great reporting, and clear analysis.”
John Negroponte, former Director of National Intelligence
Michael Schuman skillfully traces the ebb and flow of Confucius influence through the millennia. He also reflects on the enduring impact of Confucian thought on the lives of millions of contemporary East Asians. As the United States attention shifts increasingly towards that part of the world, Schumans book enriches our understanding of the values underlying that dynamic region.”
Christopher Patten, former British Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong
This fascinating book rescues Confucius, his teaching, and his wisdom from the authoritarian embrace which has so distorted what we should learn from the Analects. Michael Schuman helps us to better understand Asias past, present, and indeed future.”
Synopsis
Confucius is the most influential Chinese thinker in history; his teachings continue to shape the habits and beliefs of well over 1.6 billion people. As Michael Schuman explains, it is impossible to understand modern Asia without first engaging with the philosophers vast legacy.
Little is known about Confucius life, but his core principles have survived to this day. He promoted filial piety, learnedness, and responsible government. He also promoted hierarchy, in families, business, and the public sphere. Today, this has resulted in strong family networks and education, but also autocratic government and inequality for women.
Schuman reveals that although the arrival of Communism, capitalism, and democracy have not toppled Confucius from his central place in Asian culture, they have forced his followers to adapt his legacy to the modern world. Covering the past, present, and future of Confuciuss impact, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand modern Asia.
About the Author
Michael Schuman has been a correspondent for
Time and the
Wall Street Journal, covering Asia and the global economy. The author of
The Miracle: The Epic Story of Asias Quest for Wealth, Schuman lives in Beijing, China.
Table of Contents
Introduction: How Confucius Changed the World
Part One: Confucius Becomes Confucius
Chapter One. Confucius the Man
Chapter Two. Confucius the Sage
Chapter Three. Confucius the King
Chapter Four. Confucius the Oppressor
Part Two: Confucius at Home, But Not at Ease
Chapter Five. Confucius the Father
Chapter Six. Confucius the Teacher
Chapter Seven. Confucius the Chauvinist
Part Three: The Comeback of Confucius
Chapter Eight. Confucius the Businessman
Chapter Nine. Confucius the Politician
Chapter Ten. Confucius the Communist
Epilogue: Seeking the Real Confucius