Abstract
To many, Confucius (551–479 BCE) is a revered Chinese philosopher promoting
benevolence, family harmony, and even democracy. To others, he is a chauvinist responsible for society’s mistreatment of women and for supporting authoritarian regimes. In his most recent work, Schuman (The Miracle), a Time correspondent for Asia, explores how Confucian doctrine has evolved over the two-and-a-half millennia since Confucius lived. The author goes into
great detail while examining Confucian history and its impact on family life and society in East Asia as well as the recent resurgence of Confucianism in that region. The book is sprinkled with short stories from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, which illustrate Schuman’s points
and make for an engaging read. This work is different from others on the subject because the author delves into Confucian philosophy without the intent of promoting that philosophy or a particular interpretation of it.
While Schuman remains objective throughout, he does briefly conclude that we are “better off in a world with Confucius than without him.”
VERDICT
A great read for anyone interested in Confucius, philosophy, or
culture in East Asia
benevolence, family harmony, and even democracy. To others, he is a chauvinist responsible for society’s mistreatment of women and for supporting authoritarian regimes. In his most recent work, Schuman (The Miracle), a Time correspondent for Asia, explores how Confucian doctrine has evolved over the two-and-a-half millennia since Confucius lived. The author goes into
great detail while examining Confucian history and its impact on family life and society in East Asia as well as the recent resurgence of Confucianism in that region. The book is sprinkled with short stories from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, which illustrate Schuman’s points
and make for an engaging read. This work is different from others on the subject because the author delves into Confucian philosophy without the intent of promoting that philosophy or a particular interpretation of it.
While Schuman remains objective throughout, he does briefly conclude that we are “better off in a world with Confucius than without him.”
VERDICT
A great read for anyone interested in Confucius, philosophy, or
culture in East Asia
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 114-115 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Library Journal |
| Volume | 140 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Feb 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |