Rediscovering the Roots of Chinese Thought: Laozi’s Philosophy

This book translates Lao Zhuang Xinlun, a key work of contemporary Chinese. It offers a unique discussion of the Laozi, arguing—in contrast to standard Western scholarship—that the text goes back to a single author and identifying him as an older contemporary, and even teacher, of Confucius. This places the Confucian Analects after the Laozi and makes the text the most fundamental work of ancient Chinese thought. Chen explores these debates regarding these points, providing evidence based on materials excavated from Mawangdui and Guodian. His book provides a fascinating documentation of contemporary Chinese arguments and debates previously unavailable in English. It is nothing less than a complete revision of the history of Chinese thought with Daoism as its major focus.