Hsün Tzu: Basic Writings / Edition 1

by Burton Watson

Overview

Hsün Tzu set forth the most complete well-ordered philosophical system of his day. Although basically Confucian, he differed with Mencius, his famous predecessor in the Confucian school, by asserting that the original nature of man is evil. To counteract this evil, he advocated self-improvement, the pursuit of learning, the avoidance of obsession, and constant attention to ritual in all areas of life. With a translation by the noted scholar Burton Watson, includes an introduction to the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought. Readers familiar with Hsün Tzu's work will find that Watson's lucid translation breaths new life into this classic. For those not yet acquainted with Hsün Tzu, will reach a new generation who will find his ideas on government, language, and order and safety in society surprisingly close to the concerns of our own age.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231106894
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	09/18/1996
Series:	Translations from the Asian Classics
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	177
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 4.90(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Burton Watson is one of the world's best-known translators from the Chinese and Japanese. His translations include The Lotus Sutra, The Vimalakirti Sutra, Ryokan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, and The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry: From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century, all published by Columbia.

Table of Contents

Preface, by Burton Watson
Foreword, by Win. Theodore de Bary
Outline of Early Chinese History
Introduction
Encouraging Learning
Improving Yourself
The Regulations of a King
Debating Military Affairs
A Discussion of Heaven
A Discussion of Rites
A Discussion of Music
Dispelling Obsession
Rectifying Names
Man's Nature is Evil
Index