Customer Reviews (1)

just the greatest
The finest poetic anthology in the English language! Over the years I[just a common sort] have owned 4 copies, and worn out 3. Worth the priceif the price were doubled. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Value of Honesty
One thing that I really like about this set of books is that the characters used to teach values are real, which makes it easier to "sell" the value to kids.5 year olds will believe a cartoon dinosaur, but the older set, 9 and up, are harder and these books help!

Confucius was told by his father at a very young age that he would grow up to be a wise man, so he set out to educate himself.He read books and observed people and learned that honesty and integrity were very important.When the chance arose to teach his values to others, he did, and became so well known throughout China that he was sought after as an advisor.Before his death, he had many followers and those followers helped him to write down much of his knowledge to share with others.

At the end, there's some historical information about his life, making this a useful book for those biographical reports all kids have to do.One thing that every kid I know has caught on to, though - early in the book, Confucius doesn't know what wisdom is and he begins to "talk to" Sage, who is identified as Confucius' "own good thoughts" - so he's talking to himself... but Sage tells him what a wise man is.How does Sage know if Confucius doesn't?!Not important, though.The important thing is that it's a good story, with a great message and kids will read and remember it. ... Read more

Book Description
Must China be transformed into a liberal democracy, complete with free enterprise capitalism, in order to successfully enter the larger world marketplace? David Hall and Roger Ames explore whether any type of democracy will figure prominently in China's future. The authors believe it is a mistake to equate modernity with westernization and rugged individualism. Hall and Ames argue that as a modern China embraces its larger role in the global marketplace, a new type of democracy will emerge-a blend of traditional Western democracy and the Eastern emphasis on community-which closely resembles John Dewey's "communitarian democracy." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Two Books In One
Democracy of the Dead: Dewey, Confucius, and the Hope for Democracy in China is an impressive attempt at dialogue between Confucianism and American Pragmatism on the subject of fostering democratic reforms in China. It is both a history of philosophy text, highlighting Dewey's thought and subsequent Pragmatist scholars, liberalism, and Confucianism, and a polemic about the limitations of liberal thought in China. Although some acquaintance with the texts interpreted by the authors is recommended, the authors' synopses are trustworthy and ably and judiciously given. There are also generous quotes and and a and a nine-page bibliography provided.

Admittedly, I was skeptical about the authors' project, which seemed like a desperate attempt to bridge two subjects, pragmatism and Confucianism, that are both equally unprofitable, with a popular item in the news, China. I wanted an appealing interpretation of Confucianism, that would allow me to understand the cultural divide between east and west more easily. I was also interested in any study about pragmatism, which, as the authors also argue, deserves more respect. Last, I wanted a framework to understand Korean and western dialogue, since Korean interpretations of Confucianism are also relevant to Chinese reform historically, and are also a factor in Korea's relations with western countries. The book satisfied my demands more than satisfactorily.

Some readers may be angered by the authors' use of Deweyan Pragmatism to criticize traditional liberalism, but the authors have good reason. Dewey did have a small role in Chinese educational reform before the Communist Party assumed control in 1949. Dewey, and pragmatism in general, are both better exemplars of distinct American realities than liberalism. Also, using pragmatic terms, the authors couch Confucian concepts in a way more palatable and approachable.

The authors argue, that a Confucian interpretation of democracy is possible. This Confucian democracy is useful as a tool for political reform. And then, by using Deweyan thought, it is possible for Chinese and American reformers to share ideas for reform in both countries. The book, therefore, is ultimately a practical one.

The authors eschew nationalistic and philosophical bias, which is necessary for productive dialogue. This is not a book that celebrates western values over eastern ones.It has relevance also in Korea, yet, ironically, it will not convince Americans of the need for reform in their own country, especially if readers refuse to abandon implicit faith in liberal thinking. This is not a book about dead things, but a very lively, well-written, timely offering.. ... Read more

Book Description
Surprisingly, this volume is the first and only anthology to address the worldwide influence of Confucius and the Analects in English. Here, contributors apply a variety of different methodologies (including philosophical, phililogical, and religious) and address a number of important topics, from Confucius and Western "virtue ethics" to Confucius' attitude toward women to the historical composition of the text of the Analects. Scholars will appreciate the rigor of these essays, while students and beginners will find them accessible and engaging. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book.A "must read" for the Confucian student.
A great collection of essays.I learned a lot.My favorite essays were: (2) Naturalness revisited: why westerners should study Confucius, (3) Ren and Li in the Analects, (4) "What does Heaven Say?", (6) Whose Confucious? Which Analects? (7) Confucius and the Analects in the Han, (9) Unweaving the "one thread" of the Analects 4:15, and (10) An existentialist reading of book 4 of the Analects.I highly recommend it.

The other book reviewer asked rhetorically, "why does Confucius continute to be a source of fascination?"Confucius had a penetrating view of humanity.The book under review is a stimulating academic book, but it does not bring you in touch with the transforming power of Confucius's lessons.To appreciate the power of Confucian lessons to change lives I recommend the book by Robert Canright: "Achieve Lasting Happiness, Times Secrets to Transform Your Life."

Major revamp of what's to know in the Sage
Confucius and the Analects is an important collect of studies on a pivotal figure in world civilization.
Editor excerpt: Imagine a person who has an influenence on his native tradition comparable to the combined influence of Jesus and Socrates on the Western tradition. Such a person was Confucius.
The similarities continue. Although all three were literate, perhaps all highly so, neither Confucius, nor Jesus, nor Socrates left behind any of his own writings. We know each only through the later writings of his admirers and detractors. In addition, each had a distinctive, charismatic, and complex personality. These three common features have made each the object of love, hatred, admiration, denigration, and debate for over two millennia.
Though Confucius is referred to in a variety of early Chinese texts, one of our most important sources of information about him is the Analects, a collection of sayings, brief discussions, and observations by and about Confucius, his disciples, and his contemporaries. Despite its great importance, prior to this volume there has never been a collection of secondary essays in English on the Analects. This volume is a collection of essays on the Analects, and on Confucius as seen (primarily) in that classic.
For the last two millennia, most scholars (whether Eastern or Western) have taken all twenty "books" of the Analects as an accurate record of what Confucius and his disciples have said. But scholarship in recent centuries has become more suspicious, investigating such issues as the historical composition of the text of the Analects and the sectarian motives behind various conceptions of Confucius. Consequently, the essays in this anthology are loosely grouped into two sections (based on an aphorism from Analects 2:11: "One who can keep warm the old, yet appreciate the new, is fit to be a teacher"). "Keeping Warm the Old" consists of essays that do not call into question the view that the received text of the Analects represents a coherent worldview. In contrast, the essays in "Appreciating the New" either call into question the integrity of the received text of the Analeces, or explore aspects of the image of Confucius that have been neglected by some of the dominant interpretive traditions.
Why has Confucius been, and why does he continue to be, such a source of fascination? One easy answer is that he has been a symbol for a variety of different (and often contrasting) things: meritocracy, aristocracy, traditionalism, rationalism, aestheticism, "feudalism," secularism, wisdom, ignorance, Chinese culture, virtue, hypocrisy, and "the Orient." On this explanation, Confucius is almost a cipher that functions to mediate our interest in other ideas and institutions. This explanation is not completely inadequate. All of us, at our worst, reduce Confucius to the father figure we either love or love to hate. However, I am enough of a traditionalist to believe that there is something about genuine classics that draws us to them, again and again, independently of accidents of historical association or privileging. Some texts and thinkers touch on central aspects of human life in a way that is elusive, yet unendingly evocative. Confucius was such a thinker, and the Analects is such a text. ... Read more

Book Description
Why and how people should be educated has, throughout history, preoccupied some of civilization's greatest minds.This unique work summarizes and analyzes the thinking on education of fifty individuals drawn from a time span covering 500 BC to the nineteenth century.Among those included are:
Confucius Plato St. Augustine EamusJohn Wesley Immanuel Kant Mary Wollstonecaft Nietzche John Dewey Rudolf Steiner
Together with Fifty Contemporary Thinkers on Education, this book provides an intellectual history of educational thinking, through the ages.Each essay gives biographical information, an outline of the individual's principal achievements and activities, an assessment of his or her impact and influence, a list of their major writings and suggested further reading. Joy Palmer is Pro Vice-Chancellor of Durham University. She is a member of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication, and is the author of numerous books on education and the environment.She is the editor of two other titles in Routledge's Key Guide series:Fifty Key Thinkers on the Environment and Fifty Contemporary Thinkers on Education. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Deceptive title
I bought this book because I was doing research into Confucius and his influences on Japanese education.A title that states "From Confucius to Dewey" would lead one to believe that Confucius would receive a certain degree of attention.

There was too much biographical information on each of the "thinkers" covered.In some cases, the "thinker's" contributions to education were barely discussed.This was especially true in the case of Confucius, who only receives a couple of pages of attention, very little of which has to do with his massive contributions to educational theory. This was dissappointing, considering the headliner status he received in the title of the book.

Western "thinkers" are covered thoroughly enough for me to give a 3-star rating to this book.

Great resource.
This book is a great resource for those interested in education theory.The author provides the reader with a short overview of the thinking of each of the individuals covered.I particularly appreciate the international diversity represented in this book.I found the book provided my students with a more global perspective on education theory and motivated them to do more independent research on the topic.I recommend this book as a resource and a good introduction to education theory. ... Read more

Book Description
The best Art of War for application in competitive situations.

How much can one big mistake cost ? Everything ?

The Art of War Deluxe provides strategies and tactics for conventional war / competition. It is useful in developing offensive strategies and a critical guide for defense: learning what not to do and how to avoid competitive / enemy traps. It also explains external and internal psychological strategies.

The Deluxe (3CD) version seamlessly integrates the comments and explanations of China's most respected experts on Sun Tzu's text since 500 BC. It "fills in the blanks" and clarifies the military vocabulary, concepts, and strategies within the text which taken at face value can easily be misunderstood. It also includes the bonus "Sun Tzu and the Concubine" story and "The Sayings of Confucius."

Stylistically, the Martial Strategists version is quick paced and driving. You are involved in a critical mission - YOUR VICTORY - and the general is doing everything in his power to aid you. Sound effects, music, and some levity are used to keep you interested and engaged: helping you retain more and making the information actually useful.

Sun Tzu advises "know the enemy and yourself." Competitive versions were studied before making this edition to ensure that you get the best, most useful Art of War. It was designed to be the most practical version for application in combat - be it war, business, sports, or any other form. Its focus is winning and avoiding costly mistakes.

The integrated comments are related to strategy, victory, and crucial historical and cultural background and context. Unlike other versions that focus on teaching Buddhism / Pacifism and Chinese military history this version focuses on strategy and victory as Sun Tzu intended. It provides THE CRUCIAL INFORMATION - HOW TO PROPERLY INTERPRET SUN TZU'S TEXT AND APPLY IT TO WIN, SURVIVE, AND SUCEED IN YOUR EFFORTS!

The Art of War Deluxe contents include;The Art of War Background information; Sun Tzu and the Concubine Story; Laying Plans; Waging War; Attack by Stratagem; Tactical Dispositions; Energy; Weak Points and Strong; Maneuvering; Variation in Tactics; The Army on the March; Terrain; The Nine Situations; The Attack by Fire:The Use of Spies.

Martial Strategists, a specialty division of Infofount, are strategy specialists and translate, obtain, and rewrite the most useful versions of classic military and strategy texts available. Martial Strategist's audiobooks are said to be "unequaled for entertainment, practical application, and value."

It is a quality production recorded in 2004 with music and sound effects. This audiobook has real actors and is performed in a manner that is easy to understand and entertaining. It is a concise and accurate translation with the actors clearly and comprehensively articulating the text. It is not dry and boring as some other versions are. It has some levity in appropriate places.

It is also available discounted in InfoFount's "Martial Strategy Pack." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

This book flows
The Art of War is a very interesting and thought provoking book.I really enjoyed it, although I am not a big audio book fan.While listening to this book, there were times where it seemed as though the reader was rushing through the text.This to me was a distraction.On a positive note, the different sound effects really added something to the narration.Overall I would definitely recommend the book.For all you audio book fans, I am sure you will love it.

Superb !!!
This is the most useful strategy audiobook I have ever heard, and it's easy to listen to.
It is NOT stiff and boring like so many others.
My CD played perfectly with very good narration, sound effects, and music. The company guarantees the audiobook and has a number to call if there are any problems, so I wonder if the guy who wrote the bad review can't read, has a bad CD player, or is a competitor of these guys. I totally recommend this audiobook, buy it you won't be sorry!

VERY GOOD BOOK EVEN BETTER AS AN AUDIOOBOOK
If you have never read or heard this book you are missing out and will be at a competitive disadvantage if your opponent has.

Over the years I have collected most of the versions of The Art of War books and several of the audiobook versions.

This audiobook is definitely worth listening to.

I think this version is very good because 1) It seems to be a pretty accurate and unchanged version of what Sun Tzu wrote ( if you have seen several versions you will see what is common and the ones that are out there - this one is good ). 2) It puts additional information and comments into the text where it is most needed on points that are ambiguous or confusing - but it does not overdo it as some other versions do.
3) The actual audiobook production is pretty good. It has great music and sound effects and the narration is pretty good with some humor in it. I especially like the concubine in the concubine story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A basic introduction to the teachings of Confucius
This is a basic introduction to the thought of Confucius. It provides the historical background to the emergence of his thought, and also outlines the historical role Confucius' teaching has had in the educational and political system of China. The first value of Confucius' is ' learning' and the educated Man is the ideal product and bureaucrat- administrator in the Chinese ruling system. Education and learning are for not for isolated ivory tower reality, but must be directed to social action. The Confucian teaching is generally regarded as secular and does not invoke ordinarily the supernatural. The focus is on human relationships andconsiderable emphasis is given to ritual ( li). The Confucian ideal is for the person to show ' jen' which is a kind of respect and understanding of the other. The understanding ( shu) means something like putting oneself in the other's shoes and not doing to them what one would not want done to oneself. The emphasis on ' right action'in relation to others has special weight in family relations. The relation between parents and children, and between members of the family and older brother are given special emphasis. People are expected to show respect for their parents and provide for them in life, and also show respect for them when they are not in this world. The Confucian ideal became the norm for Chinese society for tens of generations and through the greatest share of Chinese history. When the Communists came to power in China they blamed the Confucian ideal for not having adjusted and trained China to be a part of the modern world. Yet in many ways Dawson makes clear the Confucian way of seeing the world remains strong in Chinese society. The strength of the Chinese family connection is evidenced throughout the large Diaspora of the Chinese.
This is an excellent , clearly written introduction for someone like myself who knows very little about Chinese thought. The parallel to certain elements in Jewish thought ( The emphasis on learning, and on being a ' mensch' ( jen) are two apparent elements here is striking. But of course in Judaism the emphasis is on human relation to a personal God, and walking in the ways that God prescribes.
In any case I highly recommend this small work.

I concur
I agree with the previous reviewer; it's a clear and concise introduction for someone who wants to get acquainted with some of the basic Confucian tenets.Too bad its o.p.

Great book!A must read for students of Confucius.
Excellant study of Confucius's teachings organized by topic.
Here are the chapters: 1. Confucius, 2. Learning and teaching, 3. Ritual and music, 4. Humaneness and other virtues, 5. Gentlemen and knights, 6. Government and people, 7. A Confucian China. ... Read more

Book Description
This brilliant book applies the wisdom of the Chinese sage Confucius to the challenges of modern parenting.
Confucius believed that any change we wish to make in our lives must begin from within.ThreeVirtues of Effective Parenting calls on readers to develop the virtues to help them understand the changes they can make to become a better parent. Readers will discover that the power of virtue is twofold:It will help them to become better people, as well as influence and change the behavior of the people around them.
Using the tools of Confucian philosophy, this book aims for real-life results in parent/child relationships.Readers will come to understand the three roles they play as parents--the good ruler, the inspiring teacher, and the caring friend. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Paul Strathern's little book on Confucius is one of the most cursory in his series of "90-Minute" texts on the great philosophers of history--but then, there really isn't that much known about Confucius's life that Strathern could discuss. Circumstances being what they are, we get a brief biographical sketch and a rough outline of the Chinese sage's principles, as well as a useful guide to the differences between Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. But Confucius in 90 Minutes is probably best left to the Strathern completists; those seeking an introduction to Confucianism might more profitably peruse Confucius Speaks.Book Description
In Confucius in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Confucius's life and ideas, and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. The book also includes selections from Confucius's writings; a brief list of suggested reading for those who wish to push further; and chronologies that place Confucius within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

90 Minutes of Classic philosophers
I knew some Confucius sayings and that he was a Chinese wiseman. This book painted a more detailed picture of him and left me with a full Confucius Page in my mind.

A good beginning
Before Mao there was Confucius, and probably after Mao there will be Confucius. He is the central figure in Chinese social and political thought, and his prescriptions have been the rule - of -life among China's ruling bureaucracies for hundreds of years. In his small work Paul Strathern humorously chronicles the efforts of Confucius to provide an ethic of decency for a feudal world living through troubled times. The wisdom of Confucius is not meant to save the individual soul but rather to enable society to function decently. Confucius in his own life, Strathern makes clear was not exactly the model of success. And he died disappointed and far from the political office he would have liked to have held. But he left a legacy which Chinese civilization as a whole would adopt.
This work gives an excellent outline of Confucius life and work. It is a good beginning for anyone who wishes to explore the subject in greater depth.

Nice, brief book
I was very interested in reading more about Confucius after reading "Socrates, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus" by Karl Jaspers. Strathern's brief book reinforced some of what Jaspers said, but with much easier language. This book won't tell you a lot about Confucius and his teachings, but will let you know if you want to do any more reading. I liked his recommendation of Arthur Waley's translation of "The Analects." I do wish he had given just a little more recommended reading. He didn't suggest "The Wisdom of Confucius" by Lin Yutang, but I recommend it. This "90 minute" book is a light, quickread, which suited me at the time. Now I want to read more about Confucius (the Lin Yutang book). I like the 90 minute series and intend to read more of these volumes. Modern business just doesn't give you the luxury of time to read about philosophy. So for authors that I'm not sure I want to spend much time on, the 90 minute series is great. Strathern is a clever man. He didn't just write a book. He created a product line with a recognizable "90 minute" brand label! ... Read more

Book Description
Considered one of the world's greatest philosophers, Confucius developed a moral code that would influence Chinese culture and would serve as the foundation for official and political policy during the Han Dynasty. The teachings of Confucius emphasized self-enlightenment and personal responsibility and attracted students and disciples from all walks of life. The collection of the teachings called the Analects, have become known the world over. Ironically, during his lifetime, Confucius was often viewed with suspicion by political rivals who feared his influence and his contribution to society was only fully appreciated and recognized years after his death. ... Read more

Book Description
Turning to the ancient wisdom of China for insight into conducting business humanely and effectively, the topics in this program include leadership, strategy, selling, personnel, and ethics. Newly adapted selections from the writings of Confucius, Chuang Tzu, Lao Tzu, and others present a practical vision for the executive. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
After Confucius is a collection of eight studies of Chinese philosophy from the time of Confucius to the formation of the empire in the second and third centuries B.C.E. As detailed in a masterful introduction, each essay serves as a concrete example of "thick description"--an approach invented by philosopher Gilbert Ryle--which aims to reveal the logic that informs an observable exchange among members of a community or society. To grasp the significance of such exchanges, it is necessary to investigate the networks of meaning on which they rely. Paul R. Goldin argues that the character of ancient Chinese philosophy can be appreciated only if we recognize the cultural codes underlying the circulation of ideas in that world. Thick description is the best preliminary method to determine how Chinese thinkers conceived of their own enterprise.

Who were the ancient Chinese philosophers? What was their intended audience? What were they arguing about? How did they respond to earlier thinkers, and to each other? Why did those in power wish to hear from them, and what did they claim to offer in return for patronage? Goldin addresses these questions as he looks at several topics, including rhetorical conventions of Chinese philosophical literature; the value of recently excavated manuscripts for the interpretation of the more familiar, received literature; and the duty of translators to convey the world of concerns of the original texts. Each of the cases investigated in this wide-ranging volume exemplifies the central conviction behind Goldin's plea for thick description: We do not do justice to classical Chinese philosophy unless we engage squarely the complex and ancient culture that engendered it. ... Read more