Letters from China and Japan By: John Dewey (1859-1952)
Letters from China and Japan by John Dewey is a thought-provoking collection of observations and reflections that the author penned while on his travels to China and Japan. This book captures Dewey's keen eye for detail, his deep respect for the cultures he encountered, and his commitment to understanding the social and educational systems of these nations. One of the most striking aspects of Dewey's writing is his vivid descriptions of the landscapes and cityscapes he encountered throughout his journey. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the serene beauty of traditional Japanese gardens, he transports readers to these distant lands, painting a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and smells that define each location. This attention to detail effectively immerses the reader in the richness of these cultures, creating a more intimate understanding of the places and people Dewey encountered. Additionally, the author's passion for education shines through in his analysis of the educational systems he observed. Dewey delves deep into the philosophies and methodologies employed by Chinese and Japanese schools, shedding light on their unique approaches to teaching and learning. He explores how these systems prioritize character development, discipline, and the cultivation of creativity, offering valuable insights into alternative educational frameworks for readers to consider. However, what truly sets this book apart is Dewey's respect and reverence for the people he meets along the way. He goes beyond surface-level observations and seeks to understand the social and cultural values that shape the lives of the Chinese and Japanese people. Through heartfelt conversations and friendships, he discovers the richness and complexity of their worldviews, presenting a more nuanced perspective than a mere outsider's observations could provide. While the book's structure is primarily comprised of letters written by Dewey, there is an overarching narrative that allows readers to follow his journey and witness his personal growth. His evolving understanding of the complexities of these cultures and his willingness to challenge his own preconceived notions make for a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. In conclusion, Letters from China and Japan offers an insightful and engaging account of John Dewey's travels. Through his insightful observations, vibrant descriptions, and deep respect for the cultures he encounters, Dewey provides readers with a valuable glimpse into the worlds of China and Japan. This book is not only a testament to Dewey's intellectual curiosity but also a testament to the power of human connections and the transformative nature of travel. First Page: LETTERS FROM CHINA AND JAPAN BY JOHN DEWEY, Ph.D., LL.D. PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AND ALICE CHIPMAN DEWEY Edited by EVELYN DEWEY NEW YORK E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY 681 FIFTH AVENUE Copyright, 1920, By E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America PREFACE John Dewey, Professor of Philosophy in Columbia University, and his wife, Alice C. Dewey, who wrote the letters reproduced in this book, left the United States early in 1919 for a trip to Japan. The trip was eagerly embarked on, as they had desired for many years to see at least something of the Eastern Hemisphere. The journey was to be solely for pleasure, but just before their departure from San Francisco, Professor Dewey was invited, by cable, to lecture at the Imperial University at Tokyo, and later at a number of other points in the Japanese Empire. They traveled and visited in Japan for some three to four months and in May, after a most happy experience, made doubly so by the unexpected courtesies extended them, they decided to go on to China, at least for a few weeks, before returning to the United States. The fascination of the struggle going on in China for a unified and independent democracy caused them to alter their plan to return to the United States in the summer of 1919... Continue reading book >>

Letters from China and Japan By: John Dewey (1859-1952)

Letters from China and Japan by John Dewey is a thought-provoking collection of observations and reflections that the author penned while on his travels to China and Japan. This book captures Dewey's keen eye for detail, his deep respect for the cultures he encountered, and his commitment to understanding the social and educational systems of these nations.

One of the most striking aspects of Dewey's writing is his vivid descriptions of the landscapes and cityscapes he encountered throughout his journey. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the serene beauty of traditional Japanese gardens, he transports readers to these distant lands, painting a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and smells that define each location. This attention to detail effectively immerses the reader in the richness of these cultures, creating a more intimate understanding of the places and people Dewey encountered.

Additionally, the author's passion for education shines through in his analysis of the educational systems he observed. Dewey delves deep into the philosophies and methodologies employed by Chinese and Japanese schools, shedding light on their unique approaches to teaching and learning. He explores how these systems prioritize character development, discipline, and the cultivation of creativity, offering valuable insights into alternative educational frameworks for readers to consider.

However, what truly sets this book apart is Dewey's respect and reverence for the people he meets along the way. He goes beyond surface-level observations and seeks to understand the social and cultural values that shape the lives of the Chinese and Japanese people. Through heartfelt conversations and friendships, he discovers the richness and complexity of their worldviews, presenting a more nuanced perspective than a mere outsider's observations could provide.

While the book's structure is primarily comprised of letters written by Dewey, there is an overarching narrative that allows readers to follow his journey and witness his personal growth. His evolving understanding of the complexities of these cultures and his willingness to challenge his own preconceived notions make for a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In conclusion, Letters from China and Japan offers an insightful and engaging account of John Dewey's travels. Through his insightful observations, vibrant descriptions, and deep respect for the cultures he encounters, Dewey provides readers with a valuable glimpse into the worlds of China and Japan. This book is not only a testament to Dewey's intellectual curiosity but also a testament to the power of human connections and the transformative nature of travel.

First Page:

LETTERS FROM CHINA AND JAPAN

JOHN DEWEY, Ph.D., LL.D.

PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

AND

ALICE CHIPMAN DEWEY

Edited by

EVELYN DEWEY

NEW YORK E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY 681 FIFTH AVENUE

By E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY

Printed in the United States of America

PREFACE

John Dewey, Professor of Philosophy in Columbia University, and his wife, Alice C. Dewey, who wrote the letters reproduced in this book, left the United States early in 1919 for a trip to Japan. The trip was eagerly embarked on, as they had desired for many years to see at least something of the Eastern Hemisphere. The journey was to be solely for pleasure, but just before their departure from San Francisco, Professor Dewey was invited, by cable, to lecture at the Imperial University at Tokyo, and later at a number of other points in the Japanese Empire. They traveled and visited in Japan for some three to four months and in May, after a most happy experience, made doubly so by the unexpected courtesies extended them, they decided to go on to China, at least for a few weeks, before returning to the United States.

The fascination of the struggle going on in China for a unified and independent democracy caused them to alter their plan to return to the United States in the summer of 1919... Continue reading book >>

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