Knowing Words: Wisdom and Cunning in the Classical Traditions of China and Greece

Jun 23, 2026

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Knowing Words examines how “wisdom” and “cunning” function within classical traditions of China and Greece, treating them as semantic and intellectual problems rather than isolated moral traits. The book develops an anthropological and literary-critical lens on intelligence, reworking earlier Greek-focused approaches by mapping corresponding concepts across Chinese philosophical and textual systems. It moves from Confucian, Mohist, and Taoist accounts of knowledge to rhetorical, strategic, and narrative practices exemplified in later traditions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages281

Reading Time7 h 13 min

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Abbreviations

Chinese Accounts of Wisdom and Knowledge

Wisdom in Classical Confucianism

Mohist Knowledge

Taoist Wisdom

Introduction

Cunning in Rhetoric and Strategy

The Strategies of Zhuge Liang

The Journey to the West

Heroes, Kings, and Kingmakers

Skillful Means

Conclusions

Appendixes

Interlude

Selected Bibliography

Index

FAQs

What central themes does the book connect across China and Greece?

The book centers on the concepts of wisdom and cunning and treats them as key to understanding intelligence in classical traditions.

Which Chinese philosophical traditions are discussed in the section on wisdom and knowledge?

The contents list Classical Confucianism, Mohist knowledge, and Taoist wisdom as major components of Chinese accounts.

How does the book approach “cunning” beyond moral judgment?

“Cunning” is analyzed through rhetoric and strategy, then illustrated through figures and narratives such as Zhuge Liang, the Journey to the West, and heroes, kings, and kingmakers.

Jun 23, 2026

Upload by Noah