Confucius

And the World He Created

Michael Schuman

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Hardback

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English

Basic Books
03 March 2015

Biography: general

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, Confucius's 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, Confucius's 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 Confucius's lasting impact. Confucius has been credited with giving East Asia an advantage in today's world, by instilling its people with a devotion to learning, and propelling the region's 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.

By: Michael Schuman
Imprint: Basic Books
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 244mm, Width: 161mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 554g
ISBN: 9780465025510
ISBN 10: 046502551X
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 03 March 2015
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

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

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 Asia's Quest for Wealth, Schuman lives in Beijing, China.

Reviews for Confucius: And the World He Created

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 Asia's past, present, and indeed future.