CONFUCIANISM is a humanistic philosophy and while it developed in ancient China, its tenets of humanity, propriety, good conduct and wisdom mimic the four tenets of the ancient Greek Stoics.
This thoughtful philosophy seeped from China across Asia over centuries and today its ongoing influence can be seen every day in Japan.
Historian and journalist Lesley Downer’s new book, The Shortest History of Japan, has allowed the South End Green-based writer to bring together a lifetime of study.
And the writer explains it is the impact of Confucius and Buddhism that has created a society that today pays close attention to custom, manners and doing things well. […]
From Camden New Journal, first published on 22 August, 2024.