Confucius by Meher Mcarthur
Scholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived at a turbulent time in his country's history, the so-called 'Spring and Autumn Period' of the sixth century BC, during which China was wracked by warfare between rival feudal states. Against this backdrop he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped could be used to create harmony and peace throughout the land. The teachings of Confucius attracted a large number of pupils, but were largely ignored by the rulers of China's various kingdoms. As a result, he did not see his philosophical teachings applied during his lifetime. After his death, however, his teachings were kept alive by his followers, and within a few centuries, his philosophy (as outlined in The Analects, which record the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples) was adopted by China's rulers and became the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure. Beyond its profound influence on the culture and history of East Asia, Confucianism has also exerted a powerful fascination for western thinkers and philosophers. Meher McArthur's accessible and thoughtful biography not only traces the outline of her subject's life, but also examines why Confucius and his teachings are still relevant today.
'A fine and accessible account of a man whose philosophy has informed Chinese moral and social thought for over two thousand years' Frances Wood
Meher McArthur is a freelance Asian art curator, author and educator and used to be Curator of East Asian Art at Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Californaia, USA. She is the author of Reading Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols (Thames and Hudson 2004), and The Arts of Asia: Materials, Techniques, Styles (2005).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781849162036 |
| ISBN 10 | 1849162034 |
| Title | Confucius |
| Author | Meher Mcarthur |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Quercus Publishing |
| Year published | 2010-05-27 |
| Number of pages | 288 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |