Description: Hsun Tzu set forth the most complete well-ordered philosophical system of his day. Although basically Confucian, he differed with Mencius, his famous predecessor in the Confucian school, by asserting that the original nature of man is evil. To counteract this evil, he advocated self-improvement, the pursuit of learning, the avoidance of obsession, and constant attention to ritual in all areas of life.
With a translation by the noted scholar Burton Watson, "Basic Writings" includes an introduction to the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought. Readers familiar with Hsun Tzu's work will find that Watson's lucid translation breaths new life into this classic. For those not yet acquainted with Hsun Tzu, "Basic Writings" will reach a new generation who will find his ideas on government, language, and order and safety in society surprisingly close to the concerns of our own age.

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