Ando Shoeki: Social and Ecological Philosopher of Eighteenth-Century Japan

"When the writings of Ando Shoeki (1703-62) were accidentally discovered nearly a century ago, they were so unique and surprising that some took them for contemporary forgeries. But Shoeki's sharp and thoroughgoing criticism of the Japanese feudal order proved to be as genuine as revolutionary. His philosophy combines and criticizes Buddhism, Confucianism and traditional Oriental medical theories offering a unique view of humanity, society and the natural world that is startling in its modernity. His goal was the elimanation of all obstacles that divide humanity from nature–all the products of civilization and society which stand in the way of the natural human effort to open completely to the universe. He advocates ecology, equality of the sexes and the abolition of the feudal order. His writings combine Swiftian parable, Platonic dialogue and philosophical treatise, and is an important key to understanding the history of Japanese thought."

Near Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. Binding is square and tight.