tidbit

[ironymaiden]

"The Chinese concept of qi presents a problem in English because it is neither matter nor energy but rather both. Several distinctions that are rooted in Western philosophy and Western languages, such as the distinction between matter and energy or between body and mind, are far less concrete in traditional Chinese thought and language. In a sense it is the same problem that faces modern scientists who must describe light as both particles and waves."

- Brian Kennedy, from Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals A Historical Survey

Comments

[ironymaiden]

i don't know if this is good or bad, but both of those pieces are in the book verbatim, or very close, based on my recall.

i'm about halfway through, and enjoying it. unless the latter half with the manuals reveals something i must have near me always, you can borrow it when i'm done. my major annoyance at this point is that he does not use citations, although he credits and recommends various books and authors throughout. there is an index and glossary, but no bibliography :(

[mimerki.livejournal.com]

Yay! You can borrow my Tao of Jeet Kune Do if you like.