Political philosophy begins with systematic reflection on existing political practices; and yet it requires something more than this. Since any persisting political practice both originated from a specific culture of the past and will shape a stable but alterable culture in the future, through its own character in interaction with other cultures, political philosophers should open a wider horizon than the political ideas of a certain culture, and seek a deeper insight than questionable belief in the incompatibility of different political (...) cultures. (shrink)

Of all the persisting civilizations in the world, Chinese civilization has endured the vicissitudes of history the longest without abrupt collapse. In the formation and development of Chinese civilization, China at some times experienced unity, strength, prosperity, and glory, and at other times experienced disunion, weakness, depression, and even humiliation. In its long continuous history, China has had a peculiar characteristic of recurrence in which an era of political strength and social prosperity would be superseded by an era of political (...) weakness and social chaos, and finally a lively new era would appear to continue the historical cycle. (shrink)