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Chinese Philosophy
Being an Exposition of the Main Characteristic Features
of Chinese Thought.
By DR. PAUL CARUS.
Illustrated with numerous diagrams, tables, and other symbols. This essay, which appeared first in The Monist, Vol. VI., No. 2, is an exposition of the main characteristic features of Chinese thought : it is a sketch, not an exhaustive treatise, and still less a history of Chinese philosophy. It purports to serve as an introduction to the intricacies of typically Chinese notions, explaining their symbols and revealing their mysteries in terse and intelligible language. The brevity is intentional, for the essay is meant to give a bird's-eye view of the Chinese world-conception.
While appreciating the remarkable genius exhibited by the founders of the Chinese civilisation, the author points out the foibles of the Chinese and traces them to their source. It is noteworthy that in spite of its candid and unreserved criticism, the essay was well received by the Chinese authorities and was granted the rare honor of being recommended by the Tsungli Yamen of Peking, the Imperial Foreign Office.
In reply to a copy of this article forwarded through the American representative to H. M. the Emperor of China, the Tsungli Yamen, returned the following informal communication :
THE TSUNGLI YAMEN TO THE HON. MR. DENBY. Informal.
Pekin, May 6th, 1897. YOUR EXCELLENCY : We have had the honor to receive Your Excellency's note, wherein you state that by particular request you send the Yamen a copy of The Monist-an American Magazine. Your Excellency further states
