Shizi: China's First Syncretist

About this book

By blending multiple strands of thought into one ideology Chinese Syncretists of the pre-imperial period created an essential guide to contemporary ideas about self society and government. Merging traditions such as Ruism Mohism Daoism Legalism and Yin-Yang naturalism into their work Syncretists created an integrated intellectual approach that contrasts with other more specific philosophies. Presenting the first full English translation of the earliest example of a Syncretist text this volume introduces Western scholars to both the brilliance of the syncretic method and a critical work of Chinese leadership. Written by Shi Jiao Chinas first syncretic thinker during the Warring States Period of 481 to 221 BCE Shizi is similar to Machiavellis The Prince in that it dispenses wisdom to would-be rulers. It stresses the need for leaders to be detached and objective. It further encourages self-cultivation and effective government recommending that rulers maintain self-discipline hire reliable people delegate power transparently and promote others in an orderly fashion. The people it is argued will emulate their leaders wisdom and virtue and a just and peaceful state will result. Paul Fischer provides an extensive introduction and a chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis of the textoutlining the importance of syncretism in Chinese cultureand explores the texts particular features authorship transmission loss and reconstruction over time. The Shizi set the stage for a long history of syncretic endeavor in China and its study provides insight into the vital traditions of early Chinese philosophy. It is also a template for interpreting other well-known works such as the Confucian Analects the Daoist Laozi the Mohist Mozi and the Legalist Shang jun shu.