The Path: What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach Us About the Good Life Paperback – February 7, 2017

This short work is the best introduction to Classical Chinese literature and culture.There is an accompanying book of readings which is free on Kindle. It is, mercifully, quite short.

I have long thought behaviour was contextual. Here it is. Create your context with propriety, seek alternative paths to solutions, do not take things too seriously as failure and lifes whims are to be expected. In fact this book is quite effective and any undergraduate paying for an education would be advised to get some brain food here. I have just finished two weeks in Thailand and the book went down well in quiet periods and I could experience how Buddhism is practiced. We live in a high conflict aggressive society in the west and there are few signs of any change. You may be advised to folllow some of the wisdom here and develop yourself through the small rituals. On reflection I feel the book suggests we "manage our daily interactions through careful reflection of our actions and how they impact on others". This book is a very good start to a new way of being but the supplementary text, free by download, is not quite on the level of the main text but a nice addition. Purchase without regret. Enjoy.

This is not an in depth investigation into Chinese philosophy. It also isn't a self-help program. Instead, it's a concise survey of several influential thinkers and their approaches, contrasting to much of what is taken for granted today. Provoking, and at only a few hours read time, definitely worthwhile.

This book is really great, and is full of extra info and extra life tips if you read it carefully and fully. I don't know why other reviewers say it has nothing to do with ancient chinese philosophy. Almost every page references back to an ancient chinese philosopher. It also does a great job in comparing the different philosophies of each of them, and compares it from different angle to give it a thorough treatment and to drill it in, if not a bit too much. For those who want to study the philosophers it in details, it proves the reference. But this is about what they can teach us in regards to what holds back a lot of people for reaching their full potential. Its not a PHD thesis on boring philosophy. It also provides lots of additional info, as if they wanted to give you as much help as they can. It has something for everyone.

There are far to few actual quotes and to many real life explanations that vaguely (not adequately) represent the quotes the authors choose. Changing habits by repetition, whether physical or mental, from bad to good is a matter of effort. That goodness without effort takes some focused effort is not mentioned or stated clearly. An easy to understand and read book, but doesn't state clearly enough the point of confucianism or any other belief system.

An enjoyable read and particularly good to be introduced to philosophers that are less known to me (many of us?) in the west yet still of great importance. The book delivered exactly what I wished for - gave me an overview of several great Chinese philosophers, the distinguishing difference between them, and put them in their historical, political and social/cultural context. You get a clear picture of how they build upon each other and how philosophical thought develops over time in response to circumstances. The book manages to balance detail with brevity - difficult. I generally read a lot of the stoics and it was great to read about the Chinese philosophers and see the links between theirs and our traditions - similarities and differences in thought. I highly frecommend it as the thoughts developed back then remain valid today.

I am a humanist and Buddhist. This book is wonderful for those of us who are drawn to genuine spiritual practice but not faith in supernatural or religious doctrine. If you are drawn to Eastern philosophy, you will enjoy this book.

Some really helpful deductions but much of it to convoluted while often tending towards redundancy.