This volume aims at starting a debate on functions, role and relevance of states of mind in Chinese History and civilization. It focuses on an anthropological aspect of human experience, the affective world, as it is represented and evaluated in the various sources. A number of well-known specialists, ranging from the philosophical basic concepts to some fundamental questions about terminology, analyze literary, historical and judicial materials: this collection of essays presents different opinions, experiences and perspectives on the understanding of emotional and mental states in Chinese civilization, as well as about the difficulties met on the topic. A fascinating and useful reading for all those who are interested in humanities and in the history of mentality.