Abstract

Since the late 19th century, all the knowledge and disciplines has developed and circulated without any meaningful reference to the traditional resources. Nevertheless, there was some anachronisms who believe and love the old wisdom, and have coped with the contemporary values and predominant trends. The responses of traditional East Asian philosophy can be summarized by four, namely 1) ignorance, 2) cynicism, 3) apology, and 4) seclusion. They are classified by two criteria: the one is what it values, modern or traditional, and the other is how enthusiastic it cares for, passive or active. Type 1) ignorance is modern, passive, 2) cynicism is modern, active, 3) apology is traditional, passive, 4) seclusion is traditional, active. I think type 4) seclusion could be more productive, and it only could prove the value and the reason of “why East Asian philosophy.” Prior to pave the way, I gave some cautions necessary for the adventure, i.e. soliloquy, nationalism, conformism etc., as well as encouraged the need for self esteem, and the dialogue with others.