Confucianism and Belief
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Summary
Editor's review
As an editor, I believe the book's value lies in its attempt to serve as a bridge. In contemporary society, many people have spiritual needs to explore but may feel alienated by systematized religion or philosophy. In relatively accessible language, this book distills the parts of Confucian thought that offer spiritual comfort and moral guidance, providing readers with an entry point to understand the spiritual resources of traditional culture. It helps break the stereotype that "Confucianism is merely ethical codes," guiding readers to consider its inner transcendence and its value as a source of grounding in life.
However, it should be noted objectively that the depth of discussion and academic rigor of this book may not meet the higher-level needs of professional researchers or enthusiasts of philosophy and history. Its interpretation leans more toward cultural popularization and intellectual inspiration than cutting-edge academic debate. For readers who wish to study Confucian philosophy or comparative religion systematically and in depth, this book can serve as a stepping stone, but more specialized works will be needed afterward to deepen understanding. Overall, this is an introductory-level book suitable for readers who enjoy cultural reflection in their leisure time and seek modern spiritual support from tradition.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- General readers interested in Confucian culture but lacking systematic understanding
- Explorers hoping to find personal spiritual sustenance or life wisdom in traditional culture
- Book lovers who enjoy popular humanities and social science readings
- Readers with a middle-school education or above who wish to broaden their cultural horizons
Not a good fit for
- Professional researchers in philosophy or religious studies seeking rigorous academic argumentation and cutting-edge perspectives
- History enthusiasts expecting in-depth analysis of the relationship between Confucian thought and institutional history
Reading tips
- Read with a relaxed mindset; there is no need to grasp every concept at once—treat it as a series of cultural essays
- While reading, connect the Confucian ideas mentioned to your own life experience and consider whether they offer inspiration for personal conduct
- If a particular point sparks strong interest, use it as a lead to consult more specialized literature for further reading
About the publisher
Founded in 1982, Modern Press is a Chinese publisher that serves general readers across a diverse range of subjects. Judging from its catalog, its publishing focuses on classical poetry, Eastern philosophy, psychological research and application, popular science, and modern poetry, along with history, biography, and children's books. The Book of Songs, the illustrated vernacular edition of the Classic of Mountains and Seas, The Complete Poems of Dai Wangshu, and Buddhism in the Vegetable Roots reflect efforts to make traditional culture and poetry accessible; works by Carl Gustav Jung such as The Development of Personality and Understanding Your Psychological Type, together with titles from the Ivy International Education Alliance, show sustained attention to psychology and educational reading; and Stephen Hawking's works and the illustrated two-volume Brief History of Everything and A Brief History of Time indicate a commitment to popular science. Its authors include figures such as Qu Wanli, Xu Ke, Dai Wangshu, and Jung, and its publishing emphasizes retelling classics and accessible, illustrated presentation. Because public information is limited, this summary is based only on the titles in our catalog.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 序言
- 思想先导——立世宏论
- 孔子提出中庸学说
- 子思不断深化发展
- 朱熹让理论更加升华
- 高屋建瓴——顺应天道
- 舜执其两端不行偏执
- 中都宰顺民意行仁政
- 顺“道”者行事必昌
- 修养自身——中和之境
- 行仁义者畅行于天下
- 以诚赢得天道和人道
- 慎独自修以完善自我
- 为人行事低调不张扬
- 讲求中庸须循序渐进
- 修己治人——疏通人际
- 德行高尚方可致和谐
- 执两用中防物极必反
- 学会变通而不偏执
- 讲究巧取巧胜的方式
- 上不居功，下不欺凌
- 顺情顺理办事而顺畅
- 不性刚行偏方可安身
- 端正心态方能成事业
- 体仁谅人——忠恕之道
- 己所不欲，勿施于人
- 宽柔以教，前程无限
- 体仁谅人，事得其宜
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About the author
Xiao Dongfa (1949–2016), whose ancestral home was Tianjin and who was born in Shenyang, was a professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Peking University, and director of its Institute of Modern Publishing. An important scholar in editing and publishing studies, he focused on the history of Chinese books, publishing history, and yearbook studies. He edited the History of Chinese Editing and Publishing and Chinese Libraries of Book Collecting, and led the National Social Science Fund key project A General History of Chinese Publishing, laying a solid foundation for the organization and narration of Chinese publishing history. Beyond academic writing, he attended to Peking University's institutional history and humanistic traditions, writing works such as Character: From the Imperial University to Old Peking University, Exemplars: Former Residences and Anecdotes of Peking University Notables, and Scenes: Yanyuan Landscapes and Cultural Heritage, which recount campus memories and personal stories with warmth. His works also touch on the four treasures of the study, garden architecture, and academic writing standards. Some 491 of his titles are held in the library, spanning language and culture, biography, and architecture, and combining scholarly rigor with accessible readability.
