Western Echo of “ Tao Follows Nature: Focusing on French, German, English and American Literature around WWI

Abstract

Abstract: Tao Te Ching, as an important source of Taoist philosophy, is regarded as a cultural classic of faith by the western world. This paper is to integrate and explore the spread and influence of Taoism, along with its historical and ideological roots in the west around World War I. The Western translation and introduction of Tao Te Ching during that period and the reception of Taoism in French, German, British and American masterpieces can reveal its widespread significance in a specific historical period, and present the depth and breadth of its immediate western acceptance. Originating from Nietzsche's scathing critique of modernity, many Westerners are eager to find hope of salvation abroad when extremely disappointed and confused with the modern civilization and real world. While the thoughts of dao fa zi ran (following the natural law), wu wei (acting without contriving) and bu zheng (non-competitive) have provided a brand new inspiration for those in deep spiritual crisis in that age. And their admiration for “Tao” can also reflect the acceptance of Chinese culture in the West in that epoch.

Key words: World War I, Taoism, Western literature, critique of modernity

摘要： 作为道家哲学思想之重要来源的《道德经》,被西方世界视为信仰之文化典籍。本文重点爬梳、分析道家思想在一次世界大战前后西方世界的传播和影响及其历史和思想根源。《道德经》在那个时期西方的译介以及法、德、英美文学中著名文学家对于道家思想的容受,不仅能见出道家思想在一个特定历史时期的普遍意义,更能在其“为我所用”中呈现当时西方人接受道家思想的深度和广度。源于尼采对现代性的强烈批判,在对现代文明和现实社会产生极度失望与迷惘时,很多西方人渴望在他乡找到救赎的希望。“道法自然”及“无为”“不争”等思想,为深陷精神危机的西方人提供了新的启示。他们对“道”的仰望,也能从一个侧面体现西方对中国文化的接受。

关键词: 一次世界大战, 道家思想, 西方文学, 现代性批判

Wang Miaomaio. Western Echo of “ Tao Follows Nature: Focusing on French, German, English and American Literature around WWI[J]. Comparative Literature in China, 2022, 0(1): 65-78.

王苗苗. “道法自然”的西方回音——以一次世界大战前后法、德、英美文学为中心[J]. 中国比较文学, 2022, 0(1): 65-78.

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