WAYS OF THINKING OF EASTERN PEOPLES

India China Tibet Japan

This remarkable book analyzes the modes of thought or 'ways of thinking of four Asian peoples, in order to arrive at a new level of mutual understanding between cultures once outmoded concepts of "East' and West are left behind.

Embracing four civilizations, four literary traditions and two and a half millenia of history, it examines a whole range of social-historical, cultural, psychological and linguistic phenomena into which it offers a wealth of insight.

Each of the four sections is developed on a common plan, beginning with a discussion of language and logic and of the characteristic ways in which each of these Asian peoples habitually made certain types of judgements. The author then moves on to study manifestations of these cultural patterns in formal philosophical writing, in literature and in individual and group behaviour, with Buddhism used as a linking element.

This unique comparative study is essential reading for all those seeking a profound understanding of human thought across cultures and across time.

Some reviews of the first edition.

There is hardly any book equal to Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples in terms of its thorough and systematic presentation of the intricate thought patterns of Asian peoples. The book not only is an essential reference for the student of Asian culture, but also for students of philosophy, religion, anthropology and art... Isshi Yamada, Northwestern Unversity.

The organization of the text enhances the usefulness of this volume, but it is the high quality of the scholarship that makes Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples a most valuable addition to Asian studies and to the academic training of upper division students. Ann B. Radwan, University of North Florida

The Author

Hajime Nakamura is Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo and Director of the Eastern Institute, Tokyo. He holds several honorary degress, has been decorated by the Indian government and has taught at universities around the world. Professor Nakamura is the author of A Comparative History of Ideas, published by Kegan Paul International.