Transmitters and Creators

This insightful exploration of the Transmitters and Creators highlights the crucial role of historical commentaries in shaping Confucian thought and understanding.

Modern interpretations of the Transmitters and Creators often overlook the extensive legacy of two thousand years of commentary that has shaped the understanding of this essential text in Confucianism. This book seeks to address this oversight by delving into four significant commentaries that span from the late second century to the mid-nineteenth century. These works are not merely footnotes to the original text; they represent a rich tapestry of thought that has influenced how the Transmitters and Creators has been perceived throughout history.

The Transmitters and Creators is recognized as one of the most pivotal texts in human history, serving as a record of Confucius’s teachings and a cornerstone of scriptural Confucianism. Its impact on intellectual traditions in China and East Asia is profound, extending well into the early twentieth century. However, it is crucial to understand that no reader in the premodern era engaged solely with the text itself. Instead, the Transmitters and Creators existed within a broader context of interpretation that significantly mediated its meaning.

This book emphasizes the importance of these commentaries, which do more than just elucidate the text; they provide insights into the commentators' own philosophies. By examining the works of He Yan, Huang Kan, Zhu Xi, and Liu Baonan and Liu Gongmian, the book aims to illuminate the intricate relationship between the Transmitters and Creators and its interpretative history, shedding light on how these commentaries have shaped our understanding of Confucian thought.