For any of you who have returned after yesterday’s wave of hits from Andrew’s link (thanks!), let me take a moment to let you know what this blog is about.

     I have it in my head that ancient Chinese philosophy has something to say to modern Americans.  This idea comes from my own personal experience of turning to Taoism in a time of family crisis, but it has grown as I have read more of the classics: Confucius, Mencius, Han Fei Tzu and the like.  What I try to do here, then, is comment on current affairs – and that includes domestic American issues, US foreign policy, international relations more generally, and some contemporary Chinese issues – from the perspective of one or more of the ancient Chinese classics.  When I can, I use direct quotations from the old books: I love their lyricism.

     Why do this?  Why not.  I certainly will not stop when people say (and some have said this): "you can’t do that; ancient Chinese thought is just too exotic and remote and anachronistic to apply to modern issues."  Obviously, some interpretive license has to be taken but I thoroughly believe that fresh insights can be found in ancient texts.  I mean how can you not just perk right up when you hear Confucius say:

A Gentleman is not a pot.

    What he means is that an ethical person resists
being used as an instrument for  someone else’s purposes.   It has
something of a Kantian ring to it: we should strive to make our actions
ends in themselves, not means to another’s ends.  Now, I might not
completely agree with this sentiment – can we imagine some good that
might come from being used instrumentally?  But he says it so well: a
gentleman is not a pot.

     So, maybe I’m crazy.  That will be
for you to judge.  What I have found is that it seems easier to bring
Taoism into modern conversations.  Maybe it has something to do with
the ironic, relativistic streak in Chuang Tzu and the cosmic imagery of
the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching.  Whatever it is, lots of people are open to Taoist
ideas and advice.  It’s much more challenging with Confucianism.  But
the more I read the Master and his primary disciple, Mencius, the more
convinced I am that they have something to say to us moderns. 

     In any event, I hope some of you stick around and enjoy the ride…..