Synthesized answer
The significance of making classical Chinese philosophy, specifically "Han Fei Zi: Basic Writings," affordable and accessible is to provide "wider circulation in the home and classroom" [1]. This initiative aims to transmit "representative works of the Oriental traditions in thought and literature" to Western readers [1]. Previously, translations were often not kept in print or were not available at prices most readers could afford [1]. The goal is to allow for a fuller reading and analysis of great philosophers like Han Fei Tzu, which a survey format might not permit [1].
For someone unfamiliar with academic publishing or East Asian studies, this accessibility means that influential thinkers and their ideas, such as Han Fei Tzu's handbook for rulers on preserving and strengthening the state [4], are no longer out of reach. The availability of these works at an affordable price directly addresses the historical barrier of cost and print availability [1], enabling a broader audience to engage with texts that retain their interest and relevance, particularly concerning the nature and use of power [4]. The passages indicate that these "Basic Writings" are often in paperback…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Han Fei Tzu: Basic Writings is one of a group of publica- tions, the Translations from the Oriental Classics, through which the Committee on Oriental Studies has sought to trans- mit to Western readers representative works of the Oriental traditions in thought and literature. In its volumes of source readings forming the “Introduction to Oriental Civilizations,” the Committee has provided a broad selection of excerpts from influential thinkers in India, China, and Japan, discussing the great problems of their times. Excerpts from Han Fei Tzu are thus included in Sources of Chinese…
Records of the Grand Historian of China, translated from the Shih chi of Ssu-ma Ch’ien by Burton Watson. 2 volumes. 1961. Instructions for Practical Living and Other Neo-Confucian Writings by Wang Yang-ming, translated by Wing-tsit Chan. 1963. Hsiin Tzu: Basic Writings, translated by Burton Watson. 1963. Paperback edition only. Mo Tzu: Basic Writings, translated by Burton Watson. 1963. Paperback edition only. Han Fei Tau: Basic Writings, translated by Burton Watson. 1964. Paperback edition only. Four Major Plays of Chikamatsu, translated by Donald Keene. 1964. Paperback edition only, The…
gather bands of disciples, and devote themselves to literature, learning, and debate. The rulers of the time are sure to treat them with respect, saying, “It is the way of the former kings to honor worthy men.” The farmers are the ones who must pay taxes to the officials, and yet the ruler patronizes scholars —thus the farmer's taxes grow heavier and heavier, while the scholars enjoy increasing reward. If the ruler hopes, in spite of this, that the people will work industriously and spend little time talking, he will be disappointed.
Han Fei Tzu’s handbook for the ruler, which includes a few chapters for the guidance of his ministers, deals with the problem of preserving and strengthening the state. There are sections on the way of the ruler, on standards, on the use of power and of punishment and favor. Dangers to be avoided by the ruler are specified, as are precautions to be taken. Witty, trenchant, sophisticated, and cynical, the Han Fei Tzu has been read in every age. It retains its interest today when, perhaps more than ever before, men are concerned with the nature and use of power. This new translation,…
hes to the Oriental Classics, edited by Wm. Theodore de Bary. 1959, - erly Chinese Literature, by Burton Watson. 1962. pproaches to Asian Civilizations, edited by Wm. Theodore de Bary and Ainslie T. Embree. 1964. Guide to Oriental Classics, edited by Wm. Theodore de Bary and Ainslie T. Embree. 1964. trex BOOKS OF INTEREST TO THE STUDENT dF ORIENTAL HISTORY AND LITERATURE -ma Ch'ien; Grand Historian of China, by Burton Watson. 1958. f Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, by Liu Hsich, ranslated by Vincent Yu-chung Shih. 1959. Tathetki, translated by Helen C. McCullough. 1959.…
More questions about this book
- The foreword notes that translator Burton Watson might have found it "personally more gratifying" to translate an "untouched subject." What does his decision to translate "basic works" like Han Fei Zi reveal about the role of a scholar in bridging cultural understanding, and what impact might this choice have on new students encountering this philosophy?
- Based solely on the chapter titles like "The Way of the Ruler," "The Two Handles," and "The Five Vermin," what can you infer about Han Fei Zi's core philosophical concerns or practical approaches to governance? How do these titles help you anticipate the central arguments within the text?
- Why is the distinction between "excerpts" and "more complete translations" crucial for a nuanced understanding of a classical philosopher like Han Fei Zi? Explain how reading a full text might alter one's perspective compared to relying on selected passages.
- Considering the joint effort by the Columbia University Committee on Oriental Studies and UNESCO to publish this work, what does this institutional backing communicate about the perceived global importance and enduring relevance of Han Fei Zi's ideas in the mid-20th century?