Holmes Welch (1924–1981)

I don't know much about Taoism - this book did a good job of outlining the basic shape of the tradition. It's from the 1950s, so surely there has been a lot of progress in understanding that it misses. But as a doorway, it gives me a simple map for my further studies.

It starts with a discussion of the Tao Te Ching. Mostly it just outlines the different layers or different interpretations... it introduces the challenges in understanding the text. It then goes into a history of Taoism over show more about 1000 years, major currents that merge and split. Then it gives a more topical sketch of evolution over the past 1500 years. Finally it has a rather wild vision of Lao Tzu commenting on contemporary American society. I have no idea how this would have come across in the mid-1950s! He touches on many vital topics, but kind of tip-toes into any kind of subtle thought... whatever new understandings scholars might have achieved about the history of Taoism, how to incorporate that tradition into life today, that's a topic that has seen tremendous progress - seems to me! Ask Gary Snyder, for starters!

I've been exploring Tai Chi, the movement discipline. This is not mentioned in this book. It's a wonderful way to bring a Taoist perspective to life! For me, reading this book was a first step in expanding my understanding beyond the more narrow scope of Tai Chi movement. show less

A sorta western view, fairly technical & historical, with interesting parts. I may have learned more about history and society than religion.

Welch starts with an analysis of the main metaphor in the Tao Te Ching, then moves on to a historical look at how taoism changed and morphed in Chinese society, and ends with a chapter on what Laozi might say to Americans today. For me, the explanation of the metaphors and seeing those metaphors contrasted to the dominant philosophy around me were the most valuable parts of the book.

Better than most on the more popular and religious aspects of Taoism