This is a rare book about Chinese culture that shows the historical connections between spoken and written language, to illustrate the thoughts and way of life of an ancient civilization. Modernization is gradually causing distinct cultures to disappear, and it is refreshing to listen to and look at a book that revives principles of a culture long gone. In a busy and often hectic world, these simple thoughts not only bring calm to the soul, but also teach the reader some rudiments of a writing system and the organised thoughts of a different era.