Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Dao

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This highly original work shows how the ancient principles of Confucianism and Daoism can be applied to the manifold social problems facing contemporary America. Drawing on the wisdom of China's great traditions of humaneness, duty, integrity and non-action, the author links the ideas of Confucian and Daoist thinkers with a range of issues that trace the arc of human life. Beginning with the controversies over abortion, in vitro fertilization, and stem cell research, Crane shows how Chinese philosophy can enhance our understanding of the problems of human experience, adapting them to American mores on childhood, parenting, marriage, politics and public service, and death. Along the way, he considers what Confucius and Zhuangzi, among others, might have to say about matters absent from the ancient Chinese political agenda, such as gay marriage and assisted suicide. This revealing commentary on contemporary American life offers a fresh perspective on the nation's familiar political debates, introduces classical Chinese texts to a new readership, and shows today's Chinese citizens how their traditions are perceived across the Pacific dateline.