Review of Mencius In Modern Perspectives
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Review of Mencius In Modern Perspectives
[Following is a volunteer review of "Mencius In Modern Perspectives" by Raymond K. Li.]
Mencius In Modern Perspectives by Raymond K. Li is an easy introduction to the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius, making those teachings accessible to modern English-speaking readers. Mencius was one of the famous Confucianists who propagated the thoughts and ideas of Confucius, focusing much on morals, governance, and politics. His philosophy explains traditional Chinese culture well and defines a lot of helpful wisdom for contemporary life.
The aim of the book is to get Mencius's insights across to a contemporary audience in as truthful a form as possible. It does not resemble most regular translations, as it does not represent a translation per se but more of a very lengthy introduction to Confucianist ideas and the biography of Mencius himself, which is coupled with a chronology of his life and modern perspectives to enhance understanding and appreciation of the teaching this book contains.
What interests me in this book is how ancient wisdom links up with modern issues. Raymond K. Li, the book's author, really makes these ancient teachings relevant for the modern reader. For instance, some thoughts of Mencius on friendship and purity are timely and made me like the book. Friendship should transcend social status, wealth, and kinship. He retold Meng Xian Zi's story of befriending people because of their character, not because of who they are.
I love this part because it shows the purity of forming bonds based on mutual respect and values. It creates authentic relationships where people are first respected for their character rather than the external aspects of life. At a time when we are experiencing so many superficial relationships, here is the real lesson: understand sincerity in your friendships and maintain purity. Having no qualms about gifts coming from unrighteous means speaks to me and promotes the virtues of keeping our consciences clear and morally upright. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I find nothing in this book that I dislike because it deals with universal values beyond time and culture. All the virtues given by Mencius, like compassion, righteousness, and integrity, have been documented in such a way as to project their continuing relevance. It embodies how these values were not messed up with any particular era or society; rather, they are the qualities related to human character and ethical living. It is precisely because of this focus on universal values that the book not only remains any old philosophy analysis but significantly turns out to be a guide to ethical living from which people of every walk of life, regardless of their cultural and historical background, might learn much.
I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. What justified this totally perfect rating was the book's ability to take ancient philosophies and make them relevant, comprehensible, and lucid for readers living in the modern world. These values of friendship, integrity, and even key principles of moral living concern any person who wishes to live a better life that is more ethical and full in its totality. The book is not just informative but transformative, considering that it is a guide on how to build genuine relationships and how to have a clean conscience. I would recommend this to anyone who is into philosophy and personal growth.
******
Mencius In Modern Perspectives
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Mencius In Modern Perspectives by Raymond K. Li is an easy introduction to the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius, making those teachings accessible to modern English-speaking readers. Mencius was one of the famous Confucianists who propagated the thoughts and ideas of Confucius, focusing much on morals, governance, and politics. His philosophy explains traditional Chinese culture well and defines a lot of helpful wisdom for contemporary life.
The aim of the book is to get Mencius's insights across to a contemporary audience in as truthful a form as possible. It does not resemble most regular translations, as it does not represent a translation per se but more of a very lengthy introduction to Confucianist ideas and the biography of Mencius himself, which is coupled with a chronology of his life and modern perspectives to enhance understanding and appreciation of the teaching this book contains.
What interests me in this book is how ancient wisdom links up with modern issues. Raymond K. Li, the book's author, really makes these ancient teachings relevant for the modern reader. For instance, some thoughts of Mencius on friendship and purity are timely and made me like the book. Friendship should transcend social status, wealth, and kinship. He retold Meng Xian Zi's story of befriending people because of their character, not because of who they are.
I love this part because it shows the purity of forming bonds based on mutual respect and values. It creates authentic relationships where people are first respected for their character rather than the external aspects of life. At a time when we are experiencing so many superficial relationships, here is the real lesson: understand sincerity in your friendships and maintain purity. Having no qualms about gifts coming from unrighteous means speaks to me and promotes the virtues of keeping our consciences clear and morally upright. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I find nothing in this book that I dislike because it deals with universal values beyond time and culture. All the virtues given by Mencius, like compassion, righteousness, and integrity, have been documented in such a way as to project their continuing relevance. It embodies how these values were not messed up with any particular era or society; rather, they are the qualities related to human character and ethical living. It is precisely because of this focus on universal values that the book not only remains any old philosophy analysis but significantly turns out to be a guide to ethical living from which people of every walk of life, regardless of their cultural and historical background, might learn much.
I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. What justified this totally perfect rating was the book's ability to take ancient philosophies and make them relevant, comprehensible, and lucid for readers living in the modern world. These values of friendship, integrity, and even key principles of moral living concern any person who wishes to live a better life that is more ethical and full in its totality. The book is not just informative but transformative, considering that it is a guide on how to build genuine relationships and how to have a clean conscience. I would recommend this to anyone who is into philosophy and personal growth.
******
Mencius In Modern Perspectives
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Eve Code by Mariett Ramm
