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    Confucius: A Throneless King
    Unavailable
    Confucius: A Throneless King
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    Confucius: A Throneless King
    Ebook279 pages4 hours

    Confucius: A Throneless King

    By Meher McArthur

    3.5/5

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    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    An illuminating portrait of Confucius’s life and philosophical teachings 
     Confucius is one of the most important figures in Chinese history, a man whose philosophies have shaped world culture. Often overlooked outside his native country, Confucius himself was a fascinating figure. A contemporary of Buddha, Confucius was an outspoken and uncompromising man who revolutionized Chinese society nearly 2,500 years ago, when the country was merely a loose web of feudal provinces. No small feat for the illegitimate son of a retired soldier and a teenage concubine who once received a prophecy from the local fortune-teller that she would give birth to a “throneless king.” Perhaps because of these humble beginnings, Confucius had a passionate belief in respect for others and this belief underpinned his life and teachings. He advised the emperors and kings of his day, gaining both their respect and undying enmity. He was equally proud of both achievements, saying that if the evil people of the world liked him, he was doing something wrong.  In this enlightening portrait of a great man, the reader will discover how Confucius’s theories became the foundation of social structures throughout Asia that still exist today.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPegasus Books
    Release dateJun 5, 2012
    ISBN9781453249314
    Unavailable
    Confucius: A Throneless King
    Author

    Meher McArthur

    Meher McArthur is an art historian and the former curator of East Asian Art at the Pacific Asian Museum in California. She is the author of Reading Buddist Art: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols, The Arts of Asia: Materials, Techniques, Styles, and Confucius: A Throneless King. She lives in Pasadena, CA.

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    3.5/5

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    • 4/5
      A very informative look at a well known figure from history (in name at least) who remains a somewhat mysterious and beguiling character even today. Living in China during a time of great political and social turmoil, Confucius tried to bring about a moral code that harked back to a more peaceful and noble time in Chinese history. His "Way" aimed to guide society; specifically the common man and those in positions of power, along a path of humility, goodness, benevolence including greater observance of ritual and an increased value of learning and education. Whilst it is seen that he struggled to get his philosophy accepted during his life his legacy was and continues to be revered long after his passing. Meher MacArthur expertly brings together the many vague, contradicting and sometimes questionable facts on the life of Confucius into a satisfying biography of the great philosopher and gentleman scholar.
    • 3/5
      A quixotic biography of Confucius, a historical figure whose life, like that of Jesus, Alexander or the Buddha, has subsequently been obscured by mythology. I got a some insight about the Spring and Autumn period. Best quote was from Lao Tzu upon parting with Confucius, although the author suggests they never met."I have heard that a good merchant, though he has rich treasures deeply stored, appears as if he were poor, and that a superior man whose virtue is complete, is yet to outward appearances seemingly stupid. Put away your proud air and many desires, your insinuating habit and wild will. These are of no advantage to you." Confucius left the meeting so amazed by the older man that he was briefly unable to speak. (p.76)