The Fraternity Of The Estranged

Socio-biological Implications of Confucianism

This book is a collection of English articles by Pan Guangdan, one of China’s most distinguished sociologists and eugenicists and also a renowned expert in education. Pan is a prolific scholar, whose collected works number some fourteen volumes. Pan's daughters Pan Naigu, Pan Naimu and Pan Naihe—all scholars of anthropology and sociology—began editing their father's published works and surviving manuscripts around 1978. The collected articles, written between 1923 and 1945, are representative of Pan’s insights on sociobiology, ethnology and eugenics, covering topics such as Christianity, opium, domestic war and China-Japan relations. The title of the book is taken from the fascinating two-part article “Socio-biological Implications in Confucianism”, which essentially reworks Confucius as a kind of “forefather” of socio-biological and eugenic thinking, showing Pan's promotion of “traditional” values. These articles, mostly published in Chinese Students’ Monthly and The China Critic, offer an excellent point of entry into Pan's ideas on population and eugenics, his polemics on family and marriage, and his intellectual positioning and self-fashioning. This collection is of great reference value, allowing readers to gain an overall and in-depth understanding of the development of Pan's academic thought, and to explore the spiritual world of the scholars brought together by The China Critic who were dedicated to rebuilding the Chinese culture and bridging the West and the East.

Godan - Premchand

"Godan," a cornerstone of Hindi literature, is a powerful novel by Munshi Premchand that delves deep into the socio-economic realities of rural India in the early 20th century. It tells the story of Hori, a poor peasant, and his unwavering desire to own a cow, a symbol of prosperity in the village. Hori's relentless pursuit of this dream, despite crippling debt and societal pressures, forms the central narrative of the novel. Premchand masterfully weaves together the lives of other villagers, creating a tapestry of interconnected stories that explore themes of poverty, caste discrimination, social reform, and the enduring human spirit. The novel vividly portrays the stark contrast between the wealthy landowners and the impoverished peasants, highlighting the exploitation and injustice prevalent in rural society. Hori, burdened by debt and societal obligations, struggles to make ends meet, while the wealthy landowners live in relative comfort. Premchand doesn't shy away from critiquing the rigid caste system and its dehumanizing impact on individuals. Characters like Jhunia, a young widow ostracized by society, and Gobar, Hori's son who dares to challenge traditional norms, highlight the struggle for dignity and social mobility. "Godan" also delves into the complexities of religion and superstition, showcasing both its positive and negative influences on the villagers. While faith provides solace and community, it can also be used to manipulate and exploit the vulnerable.

The Chi-Phi Quarterly