Confucius: Golden Rule, The
- Book Review,
by Russell Freedman, Frederic Clement (Illustrator)
From Publishers Weekly
Newbery Medal winner Freedman (Lincoln: A Photobiography) delves deep into Chinese history in his intelligent, comprehensive biography of the 5th-century B.C. philosopher Confucius, whose teachings have influenced the development of modern government and education in both China and the West. Freedman draws on stories, legends and collected dialogues from The Analects of Confucius, written by his students, to reveal a man of deep perceptions as well as great humor. The author reports that, when a disciple told the scholar that he did not know how to describe his teacher to a local governor, Confucius said, "Why didn't you tell him that I'm a man driven by such passion for learning that in my enthusiasm I often forget to eat, in my joy I forget to worry, and I don't even notice the approach of old age." Skillfully and smoothly weaving Chinese history, culture and language into the narrative, Freedman also explains Confucian philosophy succinctly, without dumbing it down ("The first task of a true statesman, Confucius said, is to face the truth, to use words honestly"). Cl ment's moody, ethereal illustrations complement the thoughtful text yet play up the mystery of Confucius's life. Like worn pages ripped from an ancient tome, the rubbed, faded images strewn with photorealistic fruits, petals and berries plunge readers into otherworldly scenes. For today's students, this portrait is a comprehensible introduction to Eastern thought. Just as Confucius "prodded [his students] to think in new ways," it will open new doors for young readers. Ages 8-12.- to think in new ways," it will open new doors for young readers. Ages 8-12. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-In writing this biography, Freedman faced two obstacles: a distorted popular idea of Confucius, and a paucity of data about the real man. He directly addresses the first, and his engaging book beautifully compensates for the second. He sets his subject in the context of strife-torn China, since Confucius was a radical reformer whose ideas had political applications. Politics, education, spirituality: the philosopher has something to say in all these areas, and Freedman compellingly conveys the profundity of his thoughts. Frequent brief quotations from The Analects lend immediacy to the story and help obscure the biographical lacunae. In a final chapter, Freedman points to the impact of Confucius's ideas, seeing in them sources for Western democratic concepts, as well as Eastern respect for family and education. Parenthetical pronunciation guides make the pinyin names accessible, and a note on sources and suggestions for further reading aid those whose curiosity is sure to be whetted by this fine book. Clement's illustrations are superb. His "portrait" of Confucius is unidealized, based on written descriptions of him. Each full-page piece of art does homage to Chinese-style painting, simulating old pictures, some damaged, others bearing the seals of many owners. Crumbling frames add color and geometric design to these pale figural and landscape depictions, onto which photographed petals, fruits, buds, or leaves have been superimposed, creating timeless notes of natural color and local flavor. The world today could hardly do better than to ponder the wisdom of this sage.Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RICopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 4-8. Confucius has a reputation for being dry and legalistic, particularly when compared to the Buddha, but Freedman's Confucius jumps off the page as a fiery revolutionary. Arguing that political power should be allocated by virtue not birth and that education should be available to rich and poor alike, Confucius courageously refused to flatter and placate powerful government officials. His philosophy of compassion and fairness has helped shape Chinese political and religious thought throughout the 2,500 years since his death. The fascinating narrative seamlessly intersperses stories from the Analects with Chinese history and biographical information about Confucius, focusing on his philosophical brilliance and his unpopularity with the ruling elite. The tone is serious, but Freedman gives ample space to showcase Confucius' wit and playfulness. Clement's muted, elegant paintings of towns, temples, and the bucktoothed Confucius himself have a suitably ancient feel with jagged borders and fading colors. With virtually no Confucian resources available to children, this book will be welcomed as a masterful account of China's greatest native saint. John Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
Born in China in 551 B. C., Confucius rose from poverty to the heights of his country's ruling class. But then he quit his high post for the life of an itinerant philosopher. "The Analects" collects his teachings on education and government, the definition of nobility, the equality of man and the right way and purpose of living, ideas that eventually spread to the West and influenced the great thinkers of the Enlightenment. And five centuries before Christ, Confucius set forth his own Golden Rule: "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself."
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