History in the Voids

Author: Zhu Hong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: This book is a profound and painful reflection by the author on over two thousand years of Chinese culture, on the Chinese people struggling in the cracks, and on the twisted and suppressed human nature. It is part of the "Rereading the Great Era" series. The book includes 14 essays, among which "What I Saw and Thought in the Confucius Temple" analyzes the independent-minded Confucius and how his thoughts ultimately became a tool and springboard for rulers; "The Sin of Success" sharply points out that while Shang Yang's iron-fisted policy, characterized by "legalism," helped make the State of Qin stronger, it also set the precedent for suppressing thought and stifling public opinion; and "Ash Heap" mercilessly criticizes the rulers' brutal acts of destroying culture and trampling on human nature by analyzing the famous "Burning Books and Burying Scholars" incident, highlighting the catastrophic impact this event had on the brilliant Chinese culture and thought. The book offers a fresh perspective, tracing the resilient transformation of humanistic spirit and the survival landscapes of Chinese people across various levels through history, culture, and systems in several typical great eras.