My Life in China and America · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter contains endnotes, beginning with a definition of the Chinese doctrine of feng shui, which holds that spirits rule over winds and waters.
What happens
This chapter contains endnotes, beginning with a definition of the Chinese doctrine of feng shui, which holds that spirits rule over winds and waters. The note explains that this belief is universal among the Chinese and contributes to their opposition to railroads and telegraphs, as such structures are thought to anger these spirits and cause natural disasters like floods and typhoons.
Themes in this chapter
Modernization vs. Tradition
The endnote highlights the conflict between traditional Chinese beliefs in spirits and the introduction of modern infrastructure like railroads and telegraphs, which were seen as disruptive to the natural order.
Key passages
“The doctrine held by the Chinese in relation to the spirits or genii that rule over winds and waters, especially running streams and subterranean waters.”
The Chinese believe in spirits that govern winds and waters, particularly those in streams and underground.
This paraphrase simplifies the original definition of feng shui.
“This doctrine is universal and inveterate among the Chinese, and in a great measure prompts their hostility to railroads and telegraphs, since they believe that such structures anger the spirits of the air and waters and consequently cause floods and typhoons.”
This belief is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and largely explains their opposition to railroads and telegraphs, as they think these constructions provoke the spirits and lead to natural disasters.
This paraphrase clarifies the cause-and-effect relationship described in the original.