The Problem of ChinaThe Problem of China, originally published in 1922, is Bertrand Russell's analysis of China's place in the world and its place in the future development of society. It was evident that China would become a major force in international affairs, according to Russell, because the population of the country makes up a major portion of the population of the world. In studying the "problem" of China, Russell breaks his inquiry down into cultural, economic, and political questions. He believes that China, a country whose "virtues are chiefly useful to others and vices chiefly harm to [itself]," would come to a cultural crossroads, and that the choices the country made would affect the economic and political make up of the entire world. Russell's insights of nearly a century ago are still relevant to readers today who wish to understand the Chinese mind and develop an appreciation for how China came to its place in the world today. British philosopher and mathematician BERTRAND ARTHUR WILLIAM RUSSELL (1872-1970) won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950. Among his many works are Why I Am Not a Christian (1927), Power: A New Social Analysis (1938), and My Philosophical Development (1959). |
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Common terms and phrases
acquire agreement Alliance Allies America Anglo-Japanese Alliance Asia believe Bolsheviks British Buddhism Canton Central Government centuries Chang-tso-lin Chinese civilization Chinese Government Chita Christianity concessions Confucian Confucius Constitution course culture Customs Dairen diplomatic dynasty East Eastern economic Emperor Empire England established ethical Europe European evils fact favour feudal filial piety foreign Powers France Genro Germany Imperial important industry interests internal Japan Japanese Government Korea labour less Manchu Manchuria ment Mikado military millions mines Minister Modern China nations outlook Parliament patriotism peace Peking political population Port present probably progress provinces question railway regards religion Republic Restoration Russia Russo-Japanese war secure Shantung Shinto Shogun strong Tang dynasty Taoism things tion trade traditional Treaty Treaty of Portsmouth Treaty Ports troops Tuchuns Twenty-one Demands Washington Conference West Western white nations whole wish Wu-Pei-Fu Young China Yuan
Popular passages
Page 50 - Our Celestial Empire possesses all things in prolific abundance and lacks no product within its own borders. There was therefore no need to import the manufactures of outside barbarians in exchange for our own produce.
Page 50 - Swaying the wide world, I have but one aim in view, namely, to maintain a perfect governance and to fulfil the duties of the State : strange and costly objects do not interest me. If I have commanded that the tribute offerings sent by you, O...
Page 50 - I do not forget the lonely remoteness of your island, cut off from the world by intervening wastes of sea, nor do I overlook your excusable ignorance of the usages of Our Celestial Empire.
Page 111 - He has indeed to pay due respect to the law, but the law has no power to hold him accountable to it. Not only shall there be no irreverence for the Emperor's person, but also He shall not be made a topic of derogatory comment nor one of discussion.
Page 126 - The Imperial Government of Russia declare that they have not in Manchuria any territorial advantages or preferential or exclusive concessions in impairment of Chinese sovereignty or inconsistent with the principle of equal opportunity.
Page 49 - You, O King, live beyond the confines of many seas; nevertheless, impelled by your humble desire to partake of the benefits of our civilization, you have despatched a mission respectfully bearing your memorial.
Page 85 - BUSINESS men boast of their skill and cunning But in philosophy they are like little children. Bragging to each other of successful depredations They neglect to consider the ultimate fate of the body. What should they know of the Master of Dark Truth Who saw the wide world in a jade cup...
References to this book
Exotic Memories: Literature, Colonialism, and the Fin de Siècle Chris Bongie No preview available - 1991 |
Consumer Behaviour in China: Customer Satisfaction and Cultural Values Oliver H. M. Yau,Hanming You No preview available - 1994 |