Maharshi Mehi

Herrlee Glessner Creel (1905-1994) was a prominent American Sinologist and philosopher who dedicated nearly four decades to teaching Chinese at the University of Chicago. His academic career was marked by significant contributions to the understanding of early Chinese civilization, earning him recognition as an innovative pioneer. Creel was adept at communicating complex ideas with clarity and grace to both academic specialists and the general public.

His scholarly interests spanned Confucius, the history of Chinese thought, and detailed studies of figures like Shen Buhai. Creel's early academic path included journalism before he pursued philosophy and the history of religion at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Ph.B. in 1926. His fascination with Confucius led him to study Chinese, and he continued his graduate work in Chinese philosophy, obtaining an AM in 1927 and a PhD in 1929. His doctoral dissertation explored the evolution of the Chinese worldview. After a brief stint in psychology, Creel secured prestigious fellowships that enabled extensive research and travel, including a significant period in China studying inscriptions.

Creel played a crucial role in establishing the University of Chicago's Far Eastern studies program and its library, personally acquiring thousands of volumes from China, even during wartime. He rose through the academic ranks, becoming a distinguished professor and serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in military intelligence during World War II. His prolific writing and scholarly leadership solidified his reputation as a leading figure in American Sinology.

Born in Chicago in 1905, Herrlee Glessner Creel initially pursued journalism before enrolling at the University of Chicago. There, he studied philosophy and the history of religion, earning his undergraduate degree in 1926. His interest in Confucius deepened after graduation, prompting him to learn the Chinese language. He continued his studies at Chicago, focusing on Chinese philosophy, and completed his master's degree in 1927, followed by a doctorate in 1929. His doctoral research examined the development of the Chinese worldview. Creel’s postdoctoral career included teaching psychology before he received significant fellowships that supported his research and travel. A notable period was his study of inscriptions in China from 1932 to 1935, working with Chinese scholar Liu Jie. Upon returning to the University of Chicago in 1936, he began teaching Chinese history and language, quickly advancing to professorial ranks.

Creel was instrumental in founding the University of Chicago's Far Eastern studies program in the 1930s and was deeply involved in building its specialized library. He actively sourced thousands of books from China, undertaking a significant acquisition trip during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where he procured over 75,000 volumes, particularly focusing on pre-modern Chinese history. His academic career at Chicago saw him promoted to associate professor in 1941 and full professor in 1949. He also served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in military intelligence during World War II. He continued his professorship, eventually holding the distinguished Martin A. Ryerson Professorship of Chinese History until his retirement in 1974.

Creel was a prolific author whose works significantly impacted the field of Sinology. He was particularly known for his work on Confucius, arguing that the philosopher had been obscured by legend and was, in fact, a reformer and individualist. His influential books include "The Birth of China" (1936), which highlighted archaeological findings, and "Confucius, the Man and the Myth" (1949). Creel also engaged in debates regarding the nature of Chinese characters, advocating for their inherent ideographic qualities, a stance that drew criticism from other scholars. His pedagogical approach, using classical texts in his language textbooks, was also noted as controversial. His scholarship covered a broad spectrum of Chinese thought and history, from early dynasties to later periods.