The Huainanzi: A Guide to the Theory and Practice of Government in Early Han China (Translations from the Asian Classics)

Compiled by scholars at the court of Liu An, king of Huainan, in the second century B.C.E, "The Huainanzi" is a tightly organized, sophisticated articulation of Western Han philosophy and statecraft. Outlining "all that a modern monarch needs to know," the text emphasizes rigorous self-cultivation and mental discipline, brilliantly synthesizing for readers past and present the full spectrum of early Chinese thought. "The Huainanzi" locates the key to successful rule in a balance of broad knowledge, diligent application, and the penetrating wisdom of a sage. It is a unique and creative synthesis of Daoist classics, such as the "Laozi" and the "Zhuangzi"; works associated with the Confucian tradition, such as the "Changes," the "Odes," and the "Documents"; and a wide range of other foundational philosophical and literary texts from the "Mozi" to the "Hanfeizi." The product of twelve years of scholarship, this remarkable translation preserves "The Huainanzi"'s special rhetorical features, such as parallel prose and verse, and showcases a compositional technique that conveys the work's powerful philosophical appeal. This path-breaking volume will have a transformative impact on the field of early Chinese intellectual history and will be of great interest to scholars and students alike. Compiled by scholars at the court of Liu An, king of Huainan, in the second century B.C.E, The Huainanzi is a tightly organized, sophisticated articulation of Western Han philosophy and statecraft. Outlining "all that a modern monarch needs to know," the text emphasizes rigorous self-cultivation and mental discipline, brilliantly synthesizing for readers past and present the full spectrum of early Chinese thought. The Huainanzi locates the key to successful rule in a balance of broad knowledge, diligent application, and the penetrating wisdom of a sage. It is a unique and creative synthesis of Daoist classics, such as the Laozi and the Zhuangzi ; works associated with the Confucian tradition, such as the Changes , the Odes , and the Documents ; and a wide range of other foundational philosophical and literary texts from the Mozi to the Hanfeizi . The product of twelve years of scholarship, this remarkable translation preserves The Huainanzi 's special rhetorical features, such as parallel prose and verse, and showcases a compositional technique that conveys the work's powerful philosophical appeal. This path-breaking volume will have a transformative impact on the field of early Chinese intellectual history and will be of great interest to scholars and students alike. Originating In The Way -- Activating The Genuine -- Celestial Patterns -- Terrestrial Forms -- Seasonal Rules -- Surveying Obscurities -- Quintessential Spirit -- The Basic Warp -- The Ruler's Techniques -- Profound Precepts -- Integrating Customs -- Responses Of The Way -- Boundless Discourses -- Sayings Explained -- An Overview Of The Military -- A Mountain Of Persuasions And A Forest Of Persuasions -- Among Others -- Cultivating Effort -- The Exalted Lineage -- An Overview Of The Essentials. Liu An, King Of Huainan ; Translated And Edited By John S. Major ... [et Al.], With Additional Contributions By Michael Puett And Judson Murray. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.