De Chineesche Filosofie, Toegelicht voor niet-Sinologen, 1. Kh'oeng Foe Tsz' (Confucius)

This volume offers a straightforward Dutch guide to the teachings of Confucius, aimed at readers who have never studied Chinese philosophy. Written especially for civil servants and ordinary citizens who encounter Chinese culture in the Netherlands and the Indies, it avoids scholarly jargon and presents the ideas in everyday language. The introduction sets the historical scene, showing how Confucian thought underpins the whole Chinese political system.

The main part supplies a concise biography of the master, followed by the author’s own Dutch translation of the classic works — the Analects, the Doctrine of the Mean and selections from the Great Learning. Detailed notes and explanations accompany each passage, revealing how concepts such as ren, li and filial piety shaped moral conduct and governance. By comparing existing translations and offering independent commentary, the book becomes a practical tool for anyone who wishes to grasp the ethical foundations that still influence China today.