D.C. Lau

D.C. Lau was a renowned Sinologist and Professor at the University of Hong Kong, known for his exceptional translations of Chinese classics, including the Tao Te Ching by Laozi and the Analects of Confucius. His work had a significant impact on the understanding of Chinese philosophy in the Western world, particularly among scholars such as Isaiah Berlin and Joseph Needham. Lau's collaborations with prominent scholars like A.C. Graham and Donald Holzman further solidified his position as a leading expert in the field. His translations were widely acclaimed by institutions such as the British Academy and the Royal Asiatic Society.

● Early Life and Education

D.C. Lau was born in Hong Kong in 1921 and received his early education at St. Paul's College, Hong Kong and later at the University of Hong Kong, where he developed a strong interest in Classical Chinese and Chinese literature. He pursued further studies at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, under the guidance of renowned scholars such as Arthur Waley and Derek Bodde. During his time at Cambridge University, Lau was exposed to the works of prominent thinkers like Bertrand Russell and G.E. Moore, which had a profound influence on his approach to Chinese philosophy. His education also involved studying the works of Immanuel Kant and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel at the University of London.

● Career

Lau began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, where he taught courses on Chinese history and Chinese philosophy, including the works of Mencius and Xunzi. He later became a professor at the same institution, working alongside scholars such as J.D. Frodsham and Gregory B. Lee. Lau's expertise in Classical Chinese led to collaborations with institutions like the Needham Research Institute and the Wellcome Trust. His work also involved editing journals such as the Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies and the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society.

● Translations and Works

D.C. Lau is best known for his translations of Chinese classics, including the Tao Te Ching and the Analects of Confucius, which were published by Penguin Books and widely acclaimed by scholars such as John King Fairbank and Benjamin Schwartz. His translations were also recognized by institutions such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the British Academy. Lau's work on the Zhuangzi and the Mencius was influenced by scholars like Fung Yu-lan and Tang Junyi, and his translations were praised by Tu Weiming and Robert Neville. His writings were published in various journals, including the Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies and the Journal of Chinese Philosophy.

● Reception and Impact

Lau's translations and works had a significant impact on the understanding of Chinese philosophy in the Western world, influencing scholars such as Martha Nussbaum and Alasdair MacIntyre. His work was recognized by institutions such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation. The University of California, Berkeley and the University of Oxford have also acknowledged Lau's contributions to the field. His legacy continues to be felt through the work of scholars such as Michael Puett and Lisa Raphals, who have built upon his translations and interpretations of Chinese classics.

● Personal Life

D.C. Lau passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy as a renowned Sinologist and translator. His work continues to be celebrated by institutions such as the Royal Asiatic Society and the British Academy. Throughout his life, Lau was influenced by scholars such as Qian Mu and Xu Fuguan, and his personal library, which included works by Wang Yangming and Zhang Zai, is now housed at the University of Hong Kong. His contributions to the field of Chinese studies have been recognized by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Academia Sinica. Category:Scholars of Chinese philosophy