Review of Mencius In Modern Perspectives

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Juliet Iwenamen
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Review of Mencius In Modern Perspectives

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Mencius In Modern Perspectives" by Raymond K. Li.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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I had always wanted to know what ancient Chinese wisdom could teach modern people and Reading Raymond K. Li's Mencius In Modern Perspectives. is enough for any newbie to start with. This is an overview of the deeply informative life and thoughts of Mencius, one of the most influential Confucian philosophers, fleshing out what it means for human beings to lead moral lives and how rulers should govern wisely. This is definitely not a dry translation but full of commentaries that bring up-to-date what is required to understand Mencius' teaching and apply it in our lives today. This book has themes of leadership, morality, and virtue to really draw from.

Indeed, I do agree with Mencius's view on governance and leadership. A good leader ought to be most concerned about making welfare-oriented choices rather than his personal gains. This indeed very strong message does come across through the so many stories and examples in this book. I appreciate the way this book relates these ancient teachings to today's world when leading and stresses the importance of ethical governance. 

Powerfully, Mencius's ideas resonated with the importance of moral leadership in today's world, which is considered questionable by many with regard to political integrity. The book is clear: a good leader is one who serves with compassion and righteousness, and to this, I respectfully agree and like most about this book. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

I also have no dislike for this book because of its many practical examples, all of which come directly from Mencius' teachings. The book does more than just present abstract philosophies; it brings them to life with stories and scenarios relatable to one's own self. For example, using historical anecdotes and modern parallels, Mencius's ideas on ethical leadership can be illustrated with evidence of how those very ancient principles can apply in today's modern world. In such a fashion, the reader may also realize the timelessness of Mencius's wisdom and find concrete ways to apply the teachings.

I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. This is not an ordinary translation but a bridge from Mencius' time to ours, showing moral leadership and personal virtue as paramount today as they were many centuries ago. Those many practical examples and the ability to relate stories make the book not only educational but also very appealing. For anybody reading about leadership, ethics, and personal development, I would absolutely recommend this book. It is also a fantastic read for those who want to understand how ancient wisdom informs life choices and social structures in the modern world.

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Mencius In Modern Perspectives
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