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Dao De Jing
C. C. Tsai is one of Asia’s most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. Here, he works his magic again with a delightful graphic adaptation of the complete text of Laozi’s Dao De Jing, the beloved source of Daoist philosophy. Masterfully transforming Laozi’s challenging work into entertaining and enlightening episodes, Tsai offers a uniquely fresh, relevant, and accessible version of one of the world’s most influential books.
After opening with Laozi’s biography from the Shi Ji, Tsai turns the stage over to Laozi, who patiently explains his ideas to his earnest students (and us). Laozi describes the spontaneity of natural processes, the paradoxical effects of ethical precepts, the limits of language, the values of simplicity, and, above all else, how to go with the flow. In brief episodes that tantalize and inspire, he takes us into the subtle complexities of human existence. Ultimately, Laozi, a master visionary, guides us to the mountaintop to reveal an expansive view of life.
A marvelous edition of a timeless classic, this book also presents Laozi’s original Chinese text in sidebars on each page, enriching the book for readers and students of Chinese without distracting from the English-language cartoons. The text is skillfully translated by Brian Bruya, who also provides an illuminating introduction.
After opening with Laozi’s biography from the Shi Ji, Tsai turns the stage over to Laozi, who patiently explains his ideas to his earnest students (and us). Laozi describes the spontaneity of natural processes, the paradoxical effects of ethical precepts, the limits of language, the values of simplicity, and, above all else, how to go with the flow. In brief episodes that tantalize and inspire, he takes us into the subtle complexities of human existence. Ultimately, Laozi, a master visionary, guides us to the mountaintop to reveal an expansive view of life.
A marvelous edition of a timeless classic, this book also presents Laozi’s original Chinese text in sidebars on each page, enriching the book for readers and students of Chinese without distracting from the English-language cartoons. The text is skillfully translated by Brian Bruya, who also provides an illuminating introduction.
- GenresPhilosophyClassicsTaoism
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2020
15 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 27, 2023
Dao De Jing, also known as Tao Te Ching, is a book of Chinese philosophy written by Laozi in the 6th century BC. This book is considered one of the most important works in Chinese literature and philosophy, and it has been translated into many languages.
The book is important today because it presents ideas that are still relevant to modern society. It discusses the concept of the "Dao", or the way, which represents the ultimate reality of the universe. The book also presents the idea of the "De", or virtue, which is the way in which people should live their lives to be in harmony with the Dao. These concepts are still studied and applied in modern society, particularly in areas such as philosophy, religion, and self-help.
When the book was first published, the concepts presented in it were not widely accepted. The book was considered too radical and unconventional, and it was not until the Han Dynasty that it gained popularity. However, its influence continued to grow, and it eventually became a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy.
Without this book, the world would be without the profound philosophical ideas that have influenced countless people throughout history. The concepts of the Dao and De have had a significant impact on Chinese culture and society, and they have also influenced Western philosophy through the works of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger.
After reading this book, the reader should reflect on the ideas presented and consider how they can be applied to their own life. The book emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural world and cultivating inner peace, and the reader should strive to incorporate these values into their daily life. Additionally, the book encourages the reader to embrace simplicity and humility, which can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Dao De Jing is a timeless work of philosophy that continues to be relevant in modern society. Its concepts have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and philosophy, and they have also influenced Western thought.
The book is important today because it presents ideas that are still relevant to modern society. It discusses the concept of the "Dao", or the way, which represents the ultimate reality of the universe. The book also presents the idea of the "De", or virtue, which is the way in which people should live their lives to be in harmony with the Dao. These concepts are still studied and applied in modern society, particularly in areas such as philosophy, religion, and self-help.
When the book was first published, the concepts presented in it were not widely accepted. The book was considered too radical and unconventional, and it was not until the Han Dynasty that it gained popularity. However, its influence continued to grow, and it eventually became a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy.
Without this book, the world would be without the profound philosophical ideas that have influenced countless people throughout history. The concepts of the Dao and De have had a significant impact on Chinese culture and society, and they have also influenced Western philosophy through the works of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger.
After reading this book, the reader should reflect on the ideas presented and consider how they can be applied to their own life. The book emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural world and cultivating inner peace, and the reader should strive to incorporate these values into their daily life. Additionally, the book encourages the reader to embrace simplicity and humility, which can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Dao De Jing is a timeless work of philosophy that continues to be relevant in modern society. Its concepts have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and philosophy, and they have also influenced Western thought.
December 16, 2022
I had the original edition from the 90s and recently read the Princeton version, here. The art is great. But...
Remember how in The Mosquito Coast the family compound was invaded by hardened criminals? No amount of goodwill or ingenuity could save them, so they had to murder the invaders and blow up their ice-making behemoth?
That is the Dao.
The Dao is a great good person-by-person antidote for Wokeism or Millennial narcissism. It is a useful practice to fight delusion and inner unrest.
As a tool against the government invasion, criminal invasion, totalitarianism, medical tyranny, poison in the food, regulators that look after the cronies, gangs that hate peaceful prosperity, forces that seek to shut down economies, it is useless.
It is less than useless. It is suicide.
Though, I can see why all the pot smokers in the 60-70s attached themselves to the idea that doing-nothing was somehow holy.
A shame for all of the workers who have to wake up early and go to the Twinkie factory to feed that delusion decade after decade.
Remember how in The Mosquito Coast the family compound was invaded by hardened criminals? No amount of goodwill or ingenuity could save them, so they had to murder the invaders and blow up their ice-making behemoth?
That is the Dao.
The Dao is a great good person-by-person antidote for Wokeism or Millennial narcissism. It is a useful practice to fight delusion and inner unrest.
As a tool against the government invasion, criminal invasion, totalitarianism, medical tyranny, poison in the food, regulators that look after the cronies, gangs that hate peaceful prosperity, forces that seek to shut down economies, it is useless.
It is less than useless. It is suicide.
Though, I can see why all the pot smokers in the 60-70s attached themselves to the idea that doing-nothing was somehow holy.
A shame for all of the workers who have to wake up early and go to the Twinkie factory to feed that delusion decade after decade.
January 23, 2021
cc tsai has done it again! illuminating this storied text with beautifully illustrated comic strips. bringing more concrete depictions of these ancient, ambiguous words to our minds. very helpful and insightful for first time readers and those who have already had exposure to the text alike. a new translation of such a mysterious and captivating text undoubtedly helps the reader conceive of new meanings and new applications of this philosophy into their life. the provided illustrations exacerbate this effect. certainly worth reading. especially for future leaders, we have strayed so far from the dao, our current geopolitical era makes the warring states period look like the the f’n garden of eden. a return to the dao is inevitable, but i hold out optimistic hope we can provide a smooth and virtuous transition.
January 27, 2022
The black and white illustrations of the short excerpts of Laozi's philosophy are sweet, sometimes fantastical as Laozi, who looks like a walrus with his broom-like mustache, talks to giants and legendary animals about The Dao. The longer stories that take up 2 or so pages will often show expansive landscapes in which the characters move through, lending a feel of child-like wonder as the stories unfold before you. It definitely reminds me of Bill Watterson's Calvin & Hobbes series in the overall visual style and the carefree tone of the ideas being conveyed. Highly recommend if you want to teach a young child about Daoism or if you're curious about Daoism but don't want to commit to studying Laozi's primary works, as the most dense part is the short introduction at the beginning.
March 5, 2022
Great content made simple
Classic philosophy with deep content, made really simple through humor comic style , I’d highly recommend , it’s very educational .
Of course wisdom is often like many other product, a good jacket cannot be wear during summer, neither if a slipper can be wore during winter.
It does brings out such important insight that one must be very self aware and conscious when making a choice rather than following blindly.
I hope this book will help as much as it had help me. Best wishes.
Classic philosophy with deep content, made really simple through humor comic style , I’d highly recommend , it’s very educational .
Of course wisdom is often like many other product, a good jacket cannot be wear during summer, neither if a slipper can be wore during winter.
It does brings out such important insight that one must be very self aware and conscious when making a choice rather than following blindly.
I hope this book will help as much as it had help me. Best wishes.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews