HPC 39. Robin Wang on Yin-Yang Thinking

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This book by Sam Hua offers a thorough understanding of The Art of War, both in its historical context and its relevance to modern strategy. It encompasses not only military tactics but also philosophy and life strategy, drawing from the writings of 11 important Chinese scholars. The book provides practical advice on how the principles of The Art of War can be applied by companies, managers, athletes, and generals to overcome competition.

The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature.

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text that dates back to the Western Zhou period (1000–750 BC). It evolved over time to include philosophical commentaries known as the Ten Wings. The book is used for divination through the manipulation of yarrow stalks or coins to produce hexagrams, each with its own interpretation. James Legge's translation, part of the Sacred Books of the East series, provides a comprehensive and detailed interpretation of the text, including its historical and philosophical significance. The I Ching has been influential in East Asian philosophical thought and has been studied for centuries for its insights into moral decision-making and the processes of change.

The Book of Documents is one of the Five Classics of Confucianism and provides insight into the governance, morality, and social norms of early Chinese civilization. It includes 58 chapters detailing the events of ancient China, covering the deeds of early sage-kings and the history of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. The text reflects the values and beliefs that shaped society during that era and includes speeches, political documents, and philosophical writings.

The 'Book of Changes' by David Mattingly is a musical composition for piano, featuring 14 short pieces. It is published by Universal Edition and is noted for its moderate difficulty level, ranging from 4 to 5. The work is designed to showcase a variety of musical themes and techniques.

Shi Jing, also known as the Book of Odes or Classic of Poetry, is the first anthology of Chinese poetry. It consists of 311 poems (6 without text) dating from the Zhou Dynasty (1027-771 BC) to the Spring & Autumn Period (770-476 BC). The poems are categorized into four main sections: 'Airs of the States' (guofeng), 'Minor Court Hymns' (xiaoya), 'Major Court Hymns' (daya), and 'Eulogies' (song). These poems touch on emotions, social situations, events, and matters of state, providing valuable insights into Chinese civilization and culture.