Roger T. Ames Book order (chronological)

"How could the Dao De Jing, the beloved source of philosophical Daoism, ever be improved upon? Through illustrations by the beloved cartoonist C. C. Tsai. In this complete edition of the Dao De Jing, Tsai works his magic again, taking Laozi's cryptic philosophical language and turning it into episodes that both challenge and delight the reader. Tsai begins with Laozi's biography from the Shi Ji, then Laozi takes over, patiently explaining his ideas to earnest students. Soon, we become the students, as Laozi describes the spontaneity of natural processes, the paradoxical effects of ethical precepts, the limits of language, the values of simplicity, and most of all how to go with the flow. When is knowledge reduced to ignorance? When can something that is empty count as being full? When do good intentions go awry? Laozi is the master visionary, who is able to get to the mountaintop and see a perspective on life that escapes most of us. He is able to see the big picture that we see only when it's too late. Laozi take us into the subtle complexities of human existence, like a dramatic nineteenth century novel, but in bitesize chunks that tantalize and inspire. One of the most translated books in the world, Tsai makes the Dao De Jing fresh and relevant, and Laozi perches us on the mountaintop, ready to take in the wide vista and contemplate each fragment of meaning"--

"In a single volume, this brings to the forefront a diversity of perspectives concerning environmental philosophy. Informed scholars reflect upon our current understanding of biology, ecology, and non-western philosophical traditions in order to rethink the platform of the conservationist's cause. Each chapter reveals important insights and contains much original thinking as contributors explore new ideological resources for managing our global environment... must reading for all concerned persons who are actively involved in defending our natural resources." —David Edward Shaner, Furman University. Here, Western environmental philosophers and some of our most distinguished representatives of Asian and comparative philosophy critically consider what Asia has to offer. The first section provides an ecological world view as a basis for comparison. Subsequent sections include chapters by leading contemporary scholars in Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Buddhist thought that explore the Western perception of Asian traditions--the perception that Asian philosophy is a rich conceptual resource for contemporary environmental thinkers. "It would serve as valuable reading for anyone who is interested in the environment and in exploring new and traditionally Asian approaches to this crucial subject." —Shigenori Nagatomo, Temple University