Xunzi: Basic Writings

by Burton Watson (Translator)

Overview

Xunzi asserted that the original nature of man is evil, differing on this point from Mencius, his famous predecessor in the Confucian school. In the most complete, well-ordered philosophical system of his day, Xunzi advocated the counteraction of man's evil through self-improvement, the pursuit of learning, the avoidance of obsession, and observance of ritual in life. Readers familiar with Xunzi's work will find that Burton Watson's lucid translation breathes new life into this classic. Those new to Xunzi will find his ideas on government, language, and order and safety in society surprisingly close to concerns of our own age.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231521314
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	05/21/2003
Series:	Translations from the Asian Classics
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	16 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Burton Watson is one of the world's best-known translators from the Chinese and Japanese. He received the PEN translation prize in 1981. His translations include The Lotus Sutra, The Vimalakirti Sutra, Ryokan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, and The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry: From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century, all published by Columbia. This book presents Watson's renowned translation of a Chinese philosophy classic in pinyin romanization for the first time.

Table of Contents

Outline of Early Chinese History
Introduction
Encouraging Learning
Improving Yourself
The Regulations of a King
Debating Military Affairs
A Discussion of Heaven
A Discussion of Rites
A Discussion of Music
Dispelling Obsession
Rectifying Names
Man's Nature Is Evil
Index

Editorial Reviews

Translation of any of the classics...from the hand of Burton Watson is an event to be welcomed with gratitude.

Journal of Asian Studies

Burton Watson...possesses all the qualities which distinguish a master translator. As a craftsman and as a poet, he has inspired and challenged two generations.

Asian Affairs