Life's Ten Principles

Author: Qian Mu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The Ten Discourses on Life were compiled into a book in the summer of 1955, and it has been twenty-seven years since then. Minor revisions have been made to the wording, and it is now reprinted. Additionally, two appendices have been added. One is "Three Steps in Life," which is a lecture delivered at the College of Arts, Hong Kong University, in November 1978. The other is "Chinese Philosophy of Life," which is a lecture delivered at the Palace Museum in Taipei in June 1980. As both discuss life issues, they have been compiled into this collection. Although they each have their own focus, the essence is interconnected. Readers are encouraged to reflect on this. Life is simply a yearning; we cannot imagine a life without yearning. This book is part of the "Qian Mu Works Series." The chapters were written in the 1940s, 1950s, 1970s, and 1980s and are Qian Mu’s essays and lecture transcripts on life issues. The book is divided into three parts: "Ten Discourses on Life," "Three Steps in Life," and "Chinese Philosophy of Life." Starting from traditional Chinese culture and referencing contemporary trends and customs, Qian Mu’s writing is conversational and engaging, embodying the essence of Chinese scholarship—personal reflection and open-minded contemplation. Therefore, this book is not only for scholars but more so for young people and ordinary people who hold hopes for life. After reading it, it will greatly benefit the people of China today as they strive to establish their legacy and contribute to society. My whole body will also "look up to the high mountains and follow the shining paths, though I may not reach them, my heart yearns for them."