Mythbusting the Cult of Confucius: What the Chinese Really Are, How to Understand Them and Why We Need to

by Wayne Deeker

China is ever-more important to western countries, yet remains shrouded in myth. This book is the first to part those myths and demystify the realities of Chinese ways. Western people need to know because Chinese traits and values, combined with China's modern power, now literally affect all. This book examines the ancient origins of Chinese thinking in Confucianism and consequences for the modern world: it is especially relevant to business and government relations with China, also to educational and immigration issues. Yet it contains far more than warnings alone. Above all, it shows ways western people might learn from Chinese people, and to compassionately help them break free of their past.

Genres: China, Nonfiction, Anthropology, Politics, History, Cultural

620 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2013

About the author

Wayne Deeker is an acclaimed science writer, formerly of one of the world’s most prestigious research agencies: CSIRO Australia. Within this role, for seven years he was Editor of the respected science news magazine CSIRO Space Industry News. He mostly wrote feature articles about very interesting characters.

His academic and working experience incorporate most of science (especially ecological, physical and social sciences), also communication, linguistics and education. He taught at two Australian universities courses including academic skills, communications, and critical-thinking.

For personal and professional reasons, he gave it all up and left for China. He lived in Shanghai for over five years, writing, and teaching at a variety of schools and universities.

In the final two years of that period, he had the ideal writer's lifestyle: well paid, part time work. He practically lived in in a beautiful old university park in Shanghai, where much of Mythbusting was written.

Reviews

[Kelly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote about it on Weekendnotes.com and after several months my teaching friends are still talking about it. The book gives a better idea of a culture that has been a mystery to the west. If you have any personal or work connection to the Chinese then this is for you.

[Damien Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is resourceful for learning and understanding the Chinese culture. Answers are right at your fingertips. I highly recommend this book.

[Michael Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really original and insightful summary of the subject. Very valuable and recommended.