The Soul of the Far East

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lowell, Percival, 1855-1916

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Soul of the Far East" by Percival Lowell is a thoughtful exploration of Eastern philosophy and civilization, likely written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the stark contrasts between Eastern and Western cultures, specifically focusing on the notions of individuality and community. The author examines the ways in which the Japanese and other Far Eastern societies view the world around them, suggesting that their collective mindset leads to a unique form of civilization that emphasizes harmony and social ordering over individual expression. The opening of the book illustrates Lowell's initial impressions upon arriving in Japan, capturing his perception of the Japanese way of thinking as topsy-turvy and distinct from his own Western perspective. He describes the paradox of viewing the Japanese as both familiar and strange, as their customs and beliefs reveal a different interpretation of humanity. As he elaborates on the concept of individuality, Lowell argues that the Far East's cultural focus on family and community diminishes personal identity, which contrasts greatly with the Western emphasis on individualism. Through his observations, he sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of Eastern values and their implications for understanding the human experience. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Eric Hutton, and David Widger

Notes:

Reading ease score: 58.2 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 1998-08-01