Laozi’s Classic of Virtue and the Dao for the 21st Century: A Psychology Study

A number of features mark this book apart from others. There is simply no book currently available on Daoism (Taoism) written primarily from a psychological perspective, covering topics on Laozi’s sociopolitical and psychological thoughts and their points of contact with Western psychology, particularly that of Carl Jung. The book comprises an in-depth introduction and a considered translation of Laozi’s classic on virtue and the Dao (Way). The introduction covers Daoism as the counterculture in China and beyond; the originality and distinctiveness of Laozi’s thoughts; the classic’s influence and contemporary relevance to life in the 21st century; and insights on bilingualism that the author gained in the process of translation. The book contains the very first English translation of the Beida Laozi (Peking University Laozi), in which the chapters on virtue precede those on the Dao. Accordingly, the classic is renamed The Classic of Virtue and the Dao. The author has given his best to honor both accuracy and poetic beauty by paying great attention to diction, clarity, and economy of expression. The Classic of Virtue and the Dao is one of the most creative and thought-provoking texts of antiquity. All of the 77 chapters of the classic are categorized into 13 thematic groups, each of which begins with an introduction. This would make it easier for the reader to grasp its major viewpoints and concepts, such as virtue, humility, and selflessness. Titles for individual chapters, as well as comments and notes, have also been added.

Table of Contents:
Preface – Philosophical Daoism: The Counterculture of China and Beyond – Laozi’s Sociopolitical and Psychological Thoughts – Psychological Applications for the Enrichment of Life – Complications in Translating Laozi’s Classic – Self-Reflections on Language and Thought – Are Some Languages More Difficult to Learn than Others? – Musings on How I Learn English: A Personal Case Study – Virtue: Introduction – The Dao: Introduction – Nature, Heaven, and Earth: Introduction – Action and Nonaction: Introduction – Words, Names, and Naming: Introduction – Learning and Knowledge: Introduction – Sagehood and Selflessness: Introduction – On Establishing and Conducting Oneself: Introduction – Humility: Introduction – Politics and Governance: Introduction – Stratagems, War, and Peace: Introduction – Paradoxes and the Pairing of Opposites: Introduction – Females, Infants, and Water: Introduction – References – Index.

About the Author :
David Y. F. Ho has held professorial appointments in psychology and cultural studies in Asia and North America. He has authored numerous contributions in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and education. He was the first Asian to have served as President of the International Council of Psychologists.

Review :
"This book is a rare blend of scholarship and unexpectedly colorful illustrations! It contains eloquent dialogues not only between East and West, but also across different schools of thought in the East. Playing with language is front and center through much of this text, as Ho deftly describes the challenges of correctly translating the central but difficult to convey Daoist concept of wuwei. Philosophical Daoism is characterized as the counterculture of China—and in a way, this entire book is a celebration of deep counterculture, connecting Laozi’s Daoism to Carl Jung’s idea of the shadow. There is a poetic, and sometimes beautiful, sometimes scholarly weave between scholarship and self-realization here." —James H. Liu, Professor of Psychology, Massey University, Wellington Region, New Zealand "This book is a timely publication, especially for those who are in search of ancient wisdom to confront the unprecedented existential threats to humankind in the present age. The author has succeeded to translate Laozi’s classic faithfully, whilst retaining its poetic elegance. This is a triumph in cultural transmission!" —Evelin G. Lindner, Founding President, Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies "David Y. F. Ho is an accomplished social-clinical psychologist with lifelong experience working at the interface of Chinese and Western cultures. In this riveting book, he guides us into the very heart of the Chinese ideological traditions of Daoism and Confucianism with penetrating insight, applying his professional acumen and linguistic facility to unpackaging these difficult texts. Dr. Ho succeeds in his mission of making his translations and interpretations applicable to its audience and to 21st century life. It is a text that I wish I had available in my early encounters with Chinese culture and its members. All readers of Laozi’s Classic of Virtue and the Dao for the 21st Century: A Psychological Study will find their understanding opened and their hearts enlarged in sympathetic resonance. Such books are life changing!" —Michael H. Bond, Visiting Chair Professor of Psychology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University