Chinese Thought, from Confucius to Mao Tse-Tung

Published in 1953, this book is a bit dated, but it's a good, brief and readable synopsis of Chinese philosophy's history and main concepts. It starts off a bit weakly, with rather broad generalizations about Chinese thought and culture and a less-than critical take on Confucius, apparently treating the entire Analects as representing reliable records of his statements. It's generally believed these were compiled over a long period, with some material neither originating with Confucius nor representing his thought. A couple chapters are markedly Taoist and even anti-Confucian, but Creel only mentions them in passing, suggesting they can be reconciled with Confucian thought. It's hard to see how, but Creel doesn't elaborate. No doubt Creel knew his subject well and the simplistic impression is due to brevity, but a caveat or two would have helped. However, Creel becomes considerably more critical regarding both texts and concepts as he moves on to Mo Tzu, Mencius, the Taoists, Hsun Tzu, the Legalists, etc. There's still simplification, but this can't be avoided in such a short work, and his combining philosophical with political history is quite helpful. This is particularly true as Chinese philosophy has often had a pronounced political orientation (even Taoism, in reacting against this focus), as many of the leading thinkers served in government or aspired to, and as the state and emperors have typically aligned themselves publicly with a particular philosophy (with varying degrees of sincerity). Another strength is the book's inclusion of post-classical philosophy, continuing through the Communist state's establishment. It's hard to find brief, popular works on Chinese philosophy that cover its entire history, much less ones that do it well and place ideas in historical and political context (Fung Yu-Lan's Short History may be another, but I've just started it). Necessarily the result is a synopsis rather than treatment in depth, but Creel does this quite well. In little space he sheds considerable light on the philosophical eclecticism of the Han Dynasty, Buddhism's introduction to China and its evolution and impacts there, neo-Confucianism, reactions against it, and Western influence. This background is helpful in trying to understand China's difficulties and struggles during the twentieth century, and Creel gives a very plausible explanation for the quick and fairly widespread acceptance of Communism by both the Chinese people and the intellectuals. At the end of the book he lapses again into some breezy generalizations and perhaps a touch of romanticizing, although not without some useful insights. Overall it's a very good book and one wishes Creel were available for a final word on China today.

By far the best study ever written of Chinese philosophy. Particular attention should be paid to Chapters VII, VIII and IX to understand the Asian mind. The influence of the totalitarian vision of Legalism on Chinese thought for thousands of years is not fully understood. The Chinese Empire, created in 221 B.C., was a fusion of Legalism and Confucianism. Chairman Mao was a great admirer of the first Chinese Emperor, who hated Confucianism and was a total Legalist. Indeed, modern "Communism" in China is really very much a continuation of some past trends. Check my Listamania list for more books on Legalism.

H.G. Creel writes a wonderful book tracing the roots of Chinese thought from the pre-Confucian era to Mao Tse-Tung. Written in an easy to understand fashion, the book makes you want to learn more about the subject.

I just picked up a beautiful old copy of this at Moe's books in Berkeley. It dates from the early fifties. I don't know if this Chicago edition is simply a reprint, but I am finding it to be a throroughly well-written and enjoyable book. At times it simplifies and idealizes where perhaps a contemporary academic account might be more cautious, but this gives it a certain romance that accords with the subject matter.