Late Learning Blind Words (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Qian Mu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: On the occasion of my eightieth birthday, I wrote the article "Eighty Years Remembering My Parents." Later, I continued to write "Reminiscences of Teachers and Friends," leaving almost no part of my life's experiences unrecorded. At the age of eighty-three or eighty-four, my eyes suddenly became ill, and I could no longer see, read, or read newspapers. Whenever I wrote an article, I would ask my wife to search for old books and quote idioms. After the manuscript was completed, my wife would read it aloud, and I would listen by the side, revising and improving it word by word. This manuscript is divided into three major parts: one on the universe, nature, and the natural world; the second on politics, society, and human culture; and the third on moral character, behavior, and self-cultivation. This book was written by the author at the age of eighty-six, when he lost his sight due to an eye illness, unable to see people, let alone read or write. He dictated the text, and his wife took notes, then he read it aloud and listened to himself, revising and finalizing it word by word. By the time it was completed, he was already ninety-two years old, and thus titled it "Late Learning Blind Words." The book consists of ninety chapters, divided into three parts: the first on the universe, nature, and the natural world; the second on politics, society, and human culture; and the third on moral character, behavior, and self-cultivation. Although each chapter explores a distinct theme, they are interconnected and coherent, with the main purpose of discussing the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western cultural traditions. Professor Qian had long cherished each topic in his heart, achieving breadth while remaining concise, embracing the vast while delving into the subtle, pursuing the highest wisdom while adhering to the middle way, valuing moral character while emphasizing learning. His scholarship reached a state of enlightenment in his later years. To understand the later development of Professor Qian's scholarship, "Late Learning Blind Words" is the key; to grasp the essence of Chinese studies, this book is also the best. This book is rare in Chinese scholarship for being both profound and accessible, offering great inspiration to both beginners and those seeking deeper understanding.