The Chinese nation is good at using history as the source of cultural identity
—— Hou Girui, a professor at the University of Ashville, University of North Carolina, USA
October 20, 2023 09:23 Source: "China Social Sciences", October 20, 2023, Issue 2755, author: This reporter Bai Le

Chinese classics are like smoke,"Historical Records" is undoubtedly one of the most dazzling pearls,Represents the highest achievement of Chinese historical narrative。"The success or failure of the view of history、Learning gains and losses、Ming right and wrong、Zhixing Dou ",As a giant system that integrates historical authenticity and literature and art,The classic meaning of "Historical Records" cross ancient and modern、Zhantan into reality,A wonderful and lively character biography contains rich and diverse traditional cultural factor,Explained the national spirit and family feelings rooted in the blood of Chinese civilization。As Mr. Lu Xun said,"Historian's Must sing,No rhyme to leave "。
The valuable achievements of Chinese civilization,"Historical Records" also obtained systematic research in contemporary Western countries。In the American academic community,Research "Historical Records" has the saying of "Three Gentlemen",Burton Watson、Stephen Durrant and Grant Hardy。Recent,This reporter interviewed one of the "three gentlemen",Hou Girui, a professor of history at the University of North Carolina University Ashville。As a well -known sinologist in the field of Chinese history and research,He published an article about the historical comparison of Chinese and Western history attracts attention in the Western academic community。Except history,He is also involved in Chinese literature、Philosophy、Culture and other research areas。Hou Girui cut in from the historical masterpiece of "Historical Records",revealed the important value of "Historical Records" to Chinese civilization and world civilization,and elaborate the modern meaning and world significance of Chinese civilization。
  Chinese civilization deeply attracts researchers from all countries
"China Social Sciences": Cultural movement and national movement,Wenmai is connected to the same country。Today,Chinese civilization, which has been endless for more than 5,000 years, is nourishing the comprehensive progress of Chinese society,And the Chinese civilization also produces new vitality in the new era,How do you view the modern significance of Chinese civilization?
Hou Girui:I think,Chinese civilization is the largest in the world、The oldest、The most stable、The most creative and richer civilization。For centuries,China is in technology、Literature、Art、Medicine、Agriculture and other fields has always led the world,This is closely related to the unique Chinese civilization。The continuity of the Chinese text system enables the Chinese to directly contact the text that has been attacked since the Zhou Dynasty,Created so long、continuous、rich Chinese civilization for history,and other countries do not have this condition。For a long time,Social governance traditions contained in Chinese civilization and their profound philosophical thoughts deeply attract researchers,Affecting the civilizations of the world's continents, especially the East Asian civilization circle。Some overseas scholars have studied and achieved a lot of results based on the existing historical records of Chinese civilization。
Compared to Western civilization emphasizing fierce competition and desire for power,Chinese bet365 live casino games civilization emphasizes social harmony and care for the people,This is worthy of admiration。It can be said,Chinese civilization has played a beneficial supplement to Western civilization。It reminds people,Optimizing the social structure、Processing person and natural relationship、Stimulate cultural innovation aspect,There is another way that is different from the West。until today,China in the eyes of many Westerners is still full of exotic and full attraction。Scholars are getting more and more realized,Chinese civilization is not a single static civilization,Instead, a diverse dynamic civilization that tolerates multiple ethnic culture and has evolved over time。
Today’s China plays an indispensable important role on the world stage,This is due to the long -term tradition of the Chinese nation from the foundation of its own historical and cultural foundation。For the past few decades,Western historians are increasingly attached importance to the "modern meaning" of traditional Chinese cultural values。For example,Order、Education、Belief of the combination of ritual and personal ideals,and the consciousness of transforming the strong family -based concept into the motivation of personal struggle。These values ​​are considered to have made important contributions to China ’s jumping to a global economic power since the reform and opening up,It has a great help to help the construction of socialist culture in China today。
Ancient Chinese Confucianism、Tao、Fa Sanjia,As a leader among a hundred schools,The doctrine represents a kind of for nature、Social thinking method。centered on China,Confucian、Tao、The Three Falun Three Thoughts radiated to the entire East Asia,Today,The worldview of the Chinese people、Values ​​and actual actions are still affected by it。In recent years,Through classics and English translations and academic communication,Confucian、Tao、The thoughts of the three Fa were spread to all continents in the world,It has a long -lasting and profound impact on today's world civilization。Ethical terms such as "benevolent lover" and "ruling the country with morality" in Confucianism allows modern people to make some deep reflection,It can also help today’s governors to continuously examine their own moral position,This is of great significance to the construction of many modern countries including China, including China。The wisdom of the Taoist thought "Taoism Nature" has a great inspiration role for ecological civilization and green development that is generally advocated today,"Contentiveness and Fang can always music",Learning to be missing、Irregular、Dao family philosophical ideas and other Taoist philosophy and ideological teaching in the imperfections and teach future generations how to "reconcile with self" and "coexist with the outside world"。The legal "toolism" thought contained in the French thought,That is to govern the country by formulating and implementing strict laws and systems,It still has a profound impact on the construction of the rule of law in China today,The emphasis on the goal of the "rich country and strong soldiers" is closely related to the construction of the contemporary Chinese army。
Before reform and opening up,China's modernization road is more difficult,Some Western theorists have attributed this to Confucian ethics to the disagreement of merchants and their profit motivation,3279_3289,And believes that the tradition of Confucianism is not compatible with socio -economic development。Cause this error cognition,bet365 live casino games Part of the reason is that many Western scholars have pointed out in the Analects of Confucius "the gentleman metaphors in righteousness,Little Man Meter Yu Li "has a cognitive bias。In fact,Confucianism and economic development can be completely compatible and become positive。History,Song Ming Confucianism re -explained and interpreted Confucian thoughts,Make it new and transform,This has played a key role in promoting the booming economy of the Song and Ming dynasties。to this day,The economic achievements achieved by China are still inseparable from the influence of Confucianism's subtle influence。In fact,Confucianism does not oppose business to get rich,Just ask the rich to give back to society in morality,Regardless of the rich and the poor,focusing on "virtue" -The so -called "poor and happy,Rich and gift "" Poor is alone,Da Ze and help the world ",This concept is inherited with the "common prosperity" goal proposed today。
 "Historical Records" is a understanding of early Chinese civilizationBest material source
"China Social Sciences": How do you evaluate the academic value of the masterpiece of "Historical Records",and the personal thought of the author Sima Qian?
Hou Girui:I think,"Historical Records" from multiple aspects,All are irresistible、I can't stop,Every scholar who is obsessed with Chinese history should pay attention to Sima Qian's "Historical Records"。As a great historian in ancient China,"Historical Records" created by Sima Qian has an unshakable and lofty status in the Chinese historic community。Sima Qian has gone through the hardship of life、The hard work of the lifetime has cast the greatest traditional historical classics in China,It is also one of the most famous historic books in the world "Historical Records"。This historical book shows the history of the Chinese nation from the Emperor Hanwu, the ancestor of the Chinese civilization in the ancient legend to the Emperor of the Hanwu Emperor,,Detailed recorded the formation process of Huaxia civilization,Define what is Chinese history with a magnificent field of vision,Therefore, it has become the best material source for readers later readers to understand Chinese early history and early Chinese civilization。
Due to the limitation of the form of physical communication,"Historical Records" was originally spread only in a smaller range,After a few centuries,"Historical Records" is gradually widely known,and eventually become the basis for Chinese traditional history that has continued until the 20th century。It can be said,"Historical Records "'s brilliant achievements not only belong to the field of history,also involved literature、Philosophy、Thought、The field of cultural,It had a very profound impact on the later generations of China。So far,There are 26 positive history in China,and "Historical Records" is the first part of the orthodox history of China,Can be called a model and boutique in the history。
As a huge book that reflects the evolution of the rise and fall of the Chinese dynasty,"Historical Records" except records and dynasty、Character、Event related history,Also covered with etiquette、Music、Folklore、Festival Order、Official system、Sacrifice、astronomy、Water conservancy、A large amount of information of the economy,It is an integral part of Chinese traditional culture,Many scholars are therefore called "Encyclopedia"。In my opinion,This "encyclopedia" nature is not only manifested in the rich theme covered in the work,It is also manifested as Sima Qian's widespread attention to political figures and people at the bottom of society。For example,"Historical Bet365 lotto review Records" has a description of foreigners who stay at the border of China,There are also failed assassins、Emperor's darling、Palace Nongchen、Local businessmen and other group portrayal。
other,"Historical Records" presents an objective historical narrative perspective,For Qin Shihuang、Xiang Yu and Liu Bang and many other politicians in Chinese history are more fair。Sima Qian praises the achievements of Qin Shihuang's unification of the six kingdoms,In a personal comment at the end of the biography written by Qin Shihuang,He also quoted the sharp criticism of the famous politicians in the early years of the Western Han Dynasty.。Sima Qian understands the world as an organic and objective overall understanding and cognition,Try to find a place for all things in a coherent historical framework,This is very valuable。At the same time,He can also recognize the limitations of himself as a historic observer。For example,During the creation of "Historical Records",He refuses to impose a single ideological point of view in historical data and data。He showed a kind of sympathy in the personal comments at the end of the "Historical Records".、Personality of inclusive and openness。
As a Chinese historical researcher,I admire Sima Qian's open mind、His is upright、His literary talent、His perseverance and his perfect reproduction of historical details。Sima Qian's life experience can be described as very touching -although the readers of later generations are mainly to understand his life story by the letter to his friend Ren An through the letter of "Report Ren An Shu" (this letter was included in "Han Shu Sima Qian Biography)。Sima Qian’s life ups and downs、twists and turns,experienced the pain that ordinary people are unimaginable、Fracture and shame。But,Facing doom,He always tolerates humiliation、Never yielding,Turn the suffering of life into a treasure of history,Eventually, a generation of historians。
  "Chinese Social Sciences": "Historical Records" created the precedent of Chinese discipline of the history of Chinese discipline,It is also the beginning of Chinese biographical literature,What are your evaluations of this original style of "Historical Records"?
Hou Girui:As the first history of the Chuan Chuan Tong in China,The bold innovation of Sima Qian in the "Historical Records" is admirable。Sima Qian will connect and weave in series of practical history of different ages, "use character biography as the main line of historical books"。This arrangement allows him to integrate the diverse huge historical materials information into effective narratives,Make him successfully make a lot of historical information as a kind of smoothness、The new structure presentation。The whole book "Not restricted to historical method,Not 囿 囿,Tell the exciting story with the unforgettable prose style,Not only reflects Sima's deep historical skills,It also reflects his extraordinary literary cultivation and superb artistic means。This original historical narrative method has a huge impact on Chinese history and literary research,After Sima Qian,History Books of Later Later,Basically follow this body example。
Specifically,The grand and complicated structure of "Historical Records" consists of five special methods- "Benji" 12 articles、"Family" 30 articles、"Biography" 70 articles、8 articles、Table 10 Articles。"Benji" records the words and administration of the emperors of the past、Integration of skills; "Family" records the politics of the princes and other princes、Fate of the rise and fall; "Biography" records the life deeds and ethnic minority biographies other Bet365 app download than the imperial princes;、Rites and music methods。This historical book compilation method is completely different from the early Western historical works of Herodod and Shuxidde in Greece。It can be said,This unique writing style of Ji Chuan body fully reflects Sima Qian as a broad horizon as a historian,He can deeply perceive the vision and category that the historical figures he described in itself,So historic individuals in more grand and long -term time dimensions。
  Pursue a diverse national character
"Chinese Social Sciences": "Historical Records" in today's Western countries is widely read,Its English translation、What is the status quo of communication and research? How do Western scholars understand and explain "Historical Records"?
Hou Girui:Always,Western Sinologists know "Historical Records",But until 1961 American sinologists、Translator Wan Zesheng pioneered about 70 chapters in the history of the Han Dynasty as two volumes of the history of the Han Dynasty,"Historical Records" is more familiar to the Western public,and widely enter the classroom of European and American universities。Three years ago,Wanz Sheng has published a short biography about Sima Qian。until today,The readability of Wingzuson's English translation is still high,Wide read and reference by Chinese historical researchers。other,Since 1994,American sinologist William Nienhauser and his team partners have been with multiple volumes、In the form of a large number of feet, try to publish the English translation of "Historical Records" that is more academic "Historical Records",We all wish him to complete the first full English translation of "Historical Records" in his lifetime。
In most of the past century,,Many Western historians mistakenly understand "Historical Records" as a work that compiles historical documents,And claiming that some of these chapters are the assembly of Ganba, the historical facts of the Chinese calendar dynasties,。I hold this very different point of view。According to my analysis,The reason why this error cognition causes this error,bet365 live casino games Part of the reason is that Sima Qian tends to put his personal short evaluation at the end of most chapters,Putting him as a historian for historical facts、Politics、Character、Customs and other evaluations are placed outside the historical narrative。In the book "World of Bronze and Bamboo Slip: Sima Qian's Conquest for History" published in 1999,I tried to explain and confirm that Sima Qian was a more active historian than many Western scholars that thought of,He cleverly shapes "Historical Records" into a work that is not only a masterpiece but also a literary classic。
In the past thirty years,Academic articles about the various chapters of "Historical Records" and Sima Qian's research methodology are continuously published in the West。1995,Du Runde, one of the most famous scholars in the field of historic studies in the United States, published a book "The hazy Mirror -The Cloud Mirror: Tension and Conflict in the TEE Writings of sima qian),Its literary research on the text of the "Historical Records" and the inspiring analysis of Sima Qian's inner world has been highly evaluated by the Sinology community in the United States。2018,Australian scholar Esther Klein also wrote about how Chinese scholars view the important expositions of the changes in Sima Qian's concept of Sima Qian。
I sincerely hope that more scholars in the West can pay attention to the immortal work of ancient Chinese history and ancient literature。Today,"Historical Records" is often cited in books and articles on ancient Chinese history research,It is through Sima Qian’s vivid narrative,Western scholars can be familiar with such as bet365 best casino games Wu Zixu、Jing Jing、Liu Bang and other Chinese historical figures and their success and failure stories。
  "China Social Sciences": In your opinion,"Historical Records" What can it provide for Chinese civilization and human civilization?
Hou Girui:It can be said,"Historical Records" reflects the national character of the Chinese nation's pursuit of diversity,and Chinese civilization since ancient times, a cultural gene that loves peace。Like other Han Dynasty thinkers and politicians,Sima moves to a comprehensive、The establishment of a unified national order。He very much agrees with the ideal social situation of the harmonious cooperation concept advocated by Confucius and the integration of unity and integration,"Historical Records" is the manifestation of this concept。Sima Qian praised the history of the Huangdi as the leader of the Tribe Leader to unify the Central Plains、Qin Shihuang's achievements of the six kingdoms and the unity of the country implemented in the Han Dynasty。As a member of the bureaucracy,He is an active participant and practitioner of the political unity of the Empire era。Sima Qian opposes the division rebellion or poor soldiers,It advocates maintaining the long -term unity of the country,Promote friendly interaction of nations,At the same time, he is vigilant about the historical figures that try to achieve the unity of the country through force。Sima Qian supports a unity that realize and respect diversity in a harmonious way,I hope that different voices are expressed through moral examples and cultural demonstrations rather than military forces。
By providing a moral cultural world,"Historical Records" explained the moral principles with a warning significance and inspiring people's hearts,Not only is China, but also contemporary national governance for Western countries、Social Development、Civilized progress provides endless wisdom source,And Sima Qian's own life story has also become the example of the world -difficult life situation、huge personal challenges,None of the determination and will of his writing,Nonally, he has never reduced his view of harmonious history、The yearning and longing of the worldview。In this regard,,"Historical Records" unique academic value、Ideological significance and Sima Qian's spiritual power have surpassed the category of Chinese territory and Chinese culture,Not only the precious results of Chinese civilization,It has also become a precious heritage of human civilization。
  Civilized exchanges and mutual learning of cross -borders are important
"China Social Sciences": You mentioned earlier that "Historical Records" reflects the outlook of harmony、World View。On the other hand, the current world,The "Civilized Conflict theory" proposed by Huntington is still prevalent in some Western countries。What do you comment on this? What do you think of China's peace diplomatic policy today is related to the historical tradition of Chinese civilization?
Hou Girui:I don't agree with the "Civilized Conflict" hypothesis proposed by Huntington,Because the conflict between different civilizations is inevitable。I am a optimist,Maybe I am infected by Sima Qian's "struggling in adversity".,Maybe I am influenced by the harmonious thoughts of Chinese Confucianism,Perhaps I have made a deal with people from various countries and different cultural backgrounds,These personal experiences make me have a positive attitude towards life。I hope to see a peaceful world that worked hard for the common interests of human beings。I think,Today's Western civilization must learn from Chinese civilization in many ways,Especially individualism and materialism in Western civilization should be criticized。
Many Westerners are in Bet365 app download literature in China today、Art、Poetry and other cultural fields are still relatively strange,Even some Western scholars think,Chinese culture is incompatible with democracy or human rights。But,I hold different opinions about this。I am not willing to regard the exchanges between the country and the country as a survival struggle between China and the West,Because this idea ignores the huge cultural diversity covered by the terms such as "Chinese civilization",and the ability to evolve and develop over time that the culture itself。International relations are not about the clear choice between a set of values ​​and another set of values,Just as in the distant ancient China,Confucius has wisely pointed out that "brothers are brothers within the world"。
Harmony is an important gene that has been engraved in the bone marrow of Chinese civilization。It can be said,longing for peace has deeply penetrated into the hearts of every Chinese。Today's large -scale killing weapons such as nuclear weapons are easily abused,China's advocacy and appeal to the principles of peace of peace,Respect and practice of international law,It is important for maintaining world peace。If countries can be in foreign policy、Humanitarian assistance and international relations commitment practicing the elements of "harmony as expensive" in Chinese civilization and the ideal of "Datong in the world",We will usher in a new world of prosperity and the United States and the United States of China。For the gap between different civilizations,Civilized dialogue and exchanges between cross -border civilization and exchanges are important。
The Chinese nation always uses history,Good at using history as the source of your own cultural identity,As the basis for judging your future path。Compared with many other ethnic groups in the world,The Chinese nation has a closer connection with the past and history of its country,Chinese civilization always emphasizes the respect of the ancestors and history,This is particularly different from Western civilization, such as the American civilization。It is a good thing to constantly pursue the future civilization and innovation,But I can look back at the past,Examine and cherish the civilized heritage you once possessed is also a great wisdom。

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