Bill's Book Club
Welcome to Bill's Book Club! Each month, Bill selects a book that he's been reading and passes it on to you. See what others have to say about the book, and then let everyone know what you think!
Scholar Warrior
by Deng Ming-Dao

Deng Ming Dao's Scholar Warrior takes an interesting look at the world of Taoism and attempts to apply this ancient wisdom to the hectic and modern lifestyle of the 21st century, offering the reader an interesting alternative to traditional western "self-help" books.

Written by Deng Ming Dao, a student of the legendary Taoist master Kwan Saihung, he takes the reader through a fascinating journey of the ancient world. Tackling a wide range of subjects including diet, meditation, life, death medicine, sexuality and even how to find one's purpose in life, Scholar Warrior offers the reader a unique perspective on living with a deep historical context.

Starting off from the 16th century B.C. and going right up to today, Ming Dao mixes philosophy with an easy to digest view of Asian history and how wars were fought, won and how they influenced the warrior class in ancient China to evolve past simple fighting and use their discipline to help better their lives and the lives of their countrymen.

With it's blend of Taoism, Martial Arts and Alternative Medicine, Scholar Warrior provides a fascinating opportunity to simplify our busy lives and mentally and physcially prepare for any challenge that comes our way.

If you would like to purchase this book:
Scholar Warrior by Deng Ming-Dao
Price: $16.10
List Price: $23.00
Softcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco
Visit the Book Club Library to read about past book choices.

Questions for discussion on Bill's Book Club Message Boards:


1. How do you feel about the concept of scholar vs warrior? Can one exist without the other?

2. Do you think that a build up of moral virtue was the pre-requisite to triumph on the battlefields?

3. Has the Taoist philosphy changed your life for the better? If so, how?

4. Do you think that Taoism encourages aggression or that agression requires discipline?

5. What are your thoughts on the Zhou court of the Six Arts?

6. Which school do you think contributed most to the development of Tao as we know it today?

7. Do you think that the Tao warrior code manifests itself in today's military? If so - how?

8. Which part of the book helped you to achieve the most balance in your life?

9. How can we apply Ming Dao's philosophy to the modern business world?