Review of The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation with Commentary.

Abstract

The second purpose of this commentary arises partly from anxiety about the world's ecology, particularly in the face of possible nuclear conflict. While at times it seems that the momentum of the process has already accelerated beyond control, I am hopeful that the situation still can be reversed. No task today is more urgent than reducing the possibility of nuclear holocaust. We can no longer leave the work of peace in the hands of political leaders alone. These leaders, in order to progress toward peace, must be equipped with the profound religious and intellectual justification for peace. By bringing forth the Ta o Te Ching 's vision of peace, I hope to help lay the foundation for a new religious philosophical consciousness conducive to establishing peace on earth among all creatures. This work had its earliest seed in my college thesis written at the National Taiwan University under the direction of the late Professor Beauson Tseng, who first awakened in me a love for philosophy. I cherish the memory of the many happy hours discussing philosophy in his house during my senior year, while he was busy preparing to assume the presidency of Tunghai University. At Fordham University, Professors Quentin Lauer and W. Norris Clarke taught me how to tread on solid ground of scholarship, the late Robert C. Pollock showed me how to make connections and soar into flights of insight, and Thomas Berry has given me inspiration and encouragement in all my endeavors. Frank Flinn of the New Ecumenical Research Association taught me to be concise. My husband Vincent has been patient, sympathetic, and long-suffering throughout these years of my labor. St. John's University granted me a one-semester leave to prepare the manuscript for publication. The number of scholars and friends who have enlight ened me in my intellectual journey far exceeds the few acknowledged in the body of the work and the bibliography. They are the real authors of what is valuable in the work. The inadequacies and errors that exist in this work, however, are wholly my responsibility.