Laozi's Classic of Virtue and the Dao for the 21st Century

The book comprises a complete translation of Laozi's classic and is an interpretation of Daoism from a psychological perspective. It discusses Laozi's thoughts and their relevance to life in the 21st century. The book also provides insights on bilingualism that the author gained during translation.

A number of features mark this book apart from others. There is simply no book currently available on Daoism (Taoism) written primarily from a psychological perspective, covering topics on Laozi's sociopolitical and psychological thoughts and their points of contact with Western psychology, particularly that of Carl Jung. The book comprises an in-depth introduction and a considered translation of Laozi's classic on virtue and the Dao (Way). The introduction covers Daoism as the counterculture in China and beyond; the originality and distinctiveness of Laozi's thoughts; the classic's influence and contemporary relevance to life in the 21st century; and insights on bilingualism that the author gained in the process of translation. The book contains the very first English translation of the Beida Laozi (Peking University Laozi), in which the chapters on virtue precede those on the Dao. Accordingly, the classic is renamed The Classic of Virtue and the Dao. The author has given his best to honor both accuracy and poetic beauty by paying great attention to diction, clarity, and economy of expression. The Classic of Virtue and the Dao is one of the most creative and thought-provoking texts of antiquity. All of the 77 chapters of the classic are categorized into 13 thematic groups, each of which begins with an introduction. This would make it easier for the reader to grasp its major viewpoints and concepts, such as virtue, humility, and selflessness. Titles for individual chapters, as well as comments and notes, have also been added.

Autorentext

David Y. F. Ho has held professorial appointments in psychology and cultural studies in Asia and North America. He has authored numerous contributions in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and education. He was the first Asian to have served as President of the International Council of Psychologists.

Inhalt

Preface - Philosophical Daoism: The Counterculture of China and Beyond - Laozi's Sociopolitical and Psychological Thoughts - Psychological Applications for the Enrichment of Life - Complications in Translating Laozi's Classic - Self-Reflections on Language and Thought - Are Some Languages More Difficult to Learn than Others? - Musings on How I Learn English: A Personal Case Study - Virtue: Introduction - The Dao: Introduction - Nature, Heaven, and Earth: Introduction - Action and Nonaction: Introduction - Words, Names, and Naming: Introduction - Learning and Knowledge: Introduction - Sagehood and Selflessness: Introduction - On Establishing and Conducting Oneself: Introduction - Humility: Introduction - Politics and Governance: Introduction - Stratagems, War, and Peace: Introduction - Paradoxes and the Pairing of Opposites: Introduction - Females, Infants, and Water: Introduction - References - Index.