Thoughts on Session #2

[Anonymous]

After doing the reading and listening to the discussion last Monday, I couldn’t help but think about how similar Chinese philosophy is with western thinking. A lot of classical thought (Greco-Roman) was shared with that of China. Historically it looks like a lot of the thinking began earlier with Chinese philosophers and was slowly adapted to western thought, especially that of Confucianism which is similar to the ideals of civic virtue of the classical age. I have to agree with Clay that it was not a time period where all of the stars aligned, but merely a need for governing thoughts that societies needed. Naturally everyone looked to what suited the needs that were lacking. It was a period of constant struggle (In the west the era of empire and city-states, in the east a time of disunion).

All of the thoughts that the Chinese thinkers had were followed by elements from classical western thinkers (Plato/Socrates) and then by such political thinkers like Hobbes and Locke eventually leading to our American experiment. It’s a little fun to trace the origins of political and philosophical thought. Sorry just the political nerd in me.

[Anonymous]

Sorry another thought. I kept thinking afterwards about the focus on the family with Asian cultures. I think family is the center for many cultures, and I know that by seeing my Asian students face the pressures of familial obligations. However I recently was talking to a Taiwanese friend of mine, and she immigrated to this country when she was 15, scored perfect on her SATs went on to med school and is currently a doctor. She has lived out the American dream, mastered the English language, yet as the first born and eldest, she has “failed” in her parents eyes. Her younger brother is married but he has done his own thing and pretty much abandoned the family. She has tried to get him to come to his “senses” and follow out the family needs (he doesn’t want a family right now) and try talk to their parents but he has become a “selfish American.” Her parents are angry with her because she has failed to get him to do the familial thing. She is still single so there is some resentment there as well, but bottom line there is no grandchild, nothing to pass on the lineage. It helps to understand the reason why there is such an emphasis on the family, but still I am not envious of her family pressures. Any thoughts on this?

[Anonymous]

Very eye-opening discussion for me, particularly becoming aware of the population density in the region and the amazing diversity. Also, good presentation of Confucian thought, both complemented, clarified, and extended my own knowledge of the subject.

[Anonymous]

This is the first time I learn the Chronology of Chinese History. When I was living in the Philippines attending Chinese school, the Chronology of Chinese History was not taught in our Chinese class. I have heard about the four major schools of Thought, but I don't know much about it, until I attend this class and read about it. Dr. Clay explained it clearly on the differences between them. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Reporting by William Lee Adams/London, Stephen Kim/Seoul, Krista Mahr/Tokyo and Jay Newton-Small/Washington

As I read this quite interesting piece of journalism I couldn't help thinking of our USC U.S. - China Institute seminar and the information that has been placed into my 'Asian' knowledge bank from professor Dube and others that has significantly sharpened my understanding of the cultural matrix from which those individuals who dare to aspire to political power in a nation such as North Korea, while at the same time succeed in doing so by ignoring and desecrating the legacy of Asia's great sages of past centuries who arguably also were pioneer sons of enlightened thought. The reporters rightly characterize North Korea as a 'Stalinist monarchy'. The story of North Korea under the Kim dynasty illustrates the tragedy of rule by TERROR that commences the moment a despot robs his peoples of their 'natural rights' of life, liberty, and happiness. One can only hope that Kim Jong Un as a teenager studying in Switzerland had an opportunity to experience and learn from a society rooted to a long history of democracy and toleration. I understand Kim Jong Un's father loved American cinema. As a student in Switzerland the son came to love baseball. Maybe, just maybe, he learned the art of good sportsmanship. News from the Middle East should clearly point out to the young Kim that the age (game) of despotism is ending. It's time for a new season - a new game.

[Anonymous]

I have been keeping my eye on the Economist, which regularly has cover stories related to China - Recent examples include stories on China's military and economy...

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Dear Colleagues,

Please share your thoughts on Session #2 with Clay.

--Yingjia

[Anonymous]

It is fascinating to look back at the writings of various philosophers, and with the benefit of historical perspective, connect their ideas to societal, economic, political, and environmental concerns of the time. Through their ideas I find myself considering the evolutionary, hopefully, nature of people. In some ways, our thinking has developed, and we seem to function on a more sophisticated level. In other ways, however, we continue to be plagued by the same limitations. I wouldn't go so far as to say all of our answers are in the past per Confucius, but the past certainly informs the present.

[Author]

Posts