Burton Watson is one of the world's best-known translators from the Chinese and Japanese. He received the PEN translation prize in 1981. His translations include The Lotus Sutra, The Vimalakirti Sutra, Ryokan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, and The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry: From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century, all published by Columbia. This book presents Watson's renowned translation of a Chinese philosophy classic in pinyin romanization for the first time.

Burton Watson...possesses all the qualities which distinguish a master translator. As a craftsman and as a poet, he has inspired and challenged two generations. Asian Affairs Translation of any of the classics...from the hand of Burton Watson is an event to be welcomed with gratitude. Journal of Asian Studies

• Outline of Early Chinese History Introduction Encouraging Learning Improving Yourself The Regulations of a King Debating Military Affairs A Discussion of Heaven A Discussion of Rites A Discussion of Music Dispelling Obsession Rectifying Names Man's Nature Is Evil Index