Q0692
“Philosophy is systematic, reflective thinking on life.” — Feng Youlan (A Short History of Chinese Philosophy)
Verified English quotation. Primary source: A Short History of Chinese Philosophy. Theme: life.
English
Philosophy is systematic, reflective thinking on life.
Source and attribution
The archive attributes this English wording to A Short History of Chinese Philosophy and files it under Modern New Confucianism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
About Feng Youlan
Feng Youlan (1895–1990) was a leading twentieth-century historian and reconstructor of Chinese philosophy, trained partly at Columbia under pragmatist influence. His multi-volume History of Chinese Philosophy introduced generations to a systematic narrative of schools.
How to read this passage
Life is both a biological fact and a practical project. Philosophers debate flourishing, suffering, mortality, and the standards by which a biography can be judged successful or wasted. This passage enters that discussion through life.
Concepts in this quote
- Life
- Philosophy quotes about life ask what makes a life good, meaningful, or worth examining—questions that drive ethics, religion, and everyday decision.
How to cite this quotation
APA: Feng Youlan. (n.d.). Philosophy is systematic, reflective thinking on life. In Philosophy Blind Box. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0692
MLA: Feng Youlan. “Philosophy is systematic, reflective thinking on life..” Philosophy Blind Box, https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0692.
Chicago: Feng Youlan. “Philosophy is systematic, reflective thinking on life..” Philosophy Blind Box. Accessed 2026. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0692.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the quotation “Philosophy is systematic, reflective thinking on life.”?
The passage is attributed to Feng Youlan, A Short History of Chinese Philosophy. The archive attributes this English wording to A Short History of Chinese Philosophy and files it under Modern New Confucianism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
What does Feng Youlan mean by life?
Life is both a biological fact and a practical project. Philosophers debate flourishing, suffering, mortality, and the standards by which a biography can be judged successful or wasted. This passage enters that discussion through life.