The Mencius is a collection of dialogues and anecdotes that present Mencius's views on Confucianism, particularly his theories on human nature, morality, and political governance. The book is divided into seven chapters and includes conversations between Mencius and various rulers, his students, and other contemporaries. It emphasizes the intrinsic goodness of human nature, the concept of 'four sprouts' (humanity, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom), and the importance of educational cultivation in favorable environments. Mencius's work is a significant expansion of Confucian thought and has been influential in traditional Chinese philosophy[1][4][5].
The Huangdi Neijing is a seminal text in Chinese medicine, composed of two main parts: the Suwen (Basic Questions) and the Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot). It is structured as a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and his ministers or physicians, covering topics such as the yin-yang and five phases theories, qi and blood circulation, acupuncture, and the prevention and treatment of diseases. The text emphasizes a holistic approach to health, integrating concepts of ethics, psychology, and cosmology. It has been a fundamental doctrinal source for Chinese medicine for over two millennia[3][4][5].
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[2][3][4].
The Analects is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries. It offers insights into Confucian ethics, politics, and social life. The text emphasizes the importance of moral cultivation, ritual propriety, and the cultivation of virtues like ren (benevolence) and yi (righteousness). It's a foundational text for understanding Confucian thought and its influence on Chinese culture and beyond. The Analects' aphoristic style and focus on practical wisdom have made it a significant work in both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.
In this episode of Makin' it in China, we share two stories.
Ehsan Doostmohammadi, an Iranian researcher at Southwest University in Chongqing, is dedicated to translating classic Chinese texts into Persian. His work provides Iranians with a unique insight into Chinese heritage and traditional medicine.
Saulebek Kabylbekov, a Kazakh ophthalmologist based in Daqing, Heilongjiang, has treated more than 250,000 patients since 1998. Renowned for his humanitarian efforts and commitment to providing free medical services, he received the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2023.
If you enjoy feature stories like this one, be sure to check out "Footprints" on your favorite podcast platform!
Round Table China 
