Yin Yang Face - A Study on the Ecology of Traditional Chinese Intellectuals: A Study on the Ecology of Traditional Chinese Intellectuals

Author: Ke Ping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: "The Yin-Yang Faces" consists of sixteen essays, which are actually case studies of sixteen traditional scholars. Why were their fates so similar? What was the difference between them and modern intellectuals—where did they stop at the threshold of history? The author strives to place the sixteen famous figures back into their historical context, revealing the historical inevitability in their personalities. The scholars and literati who appear in "The Yin-Yang Faces" have diverse personalities. Most of them were highly talented; yet, in modern eyes, they also exhibited such obvious personal weaknesses. Gong Zizhen boastfully exaggerated his romantic encounters, Zheng Banqiao used pretense to profit, Huang Zhongze indulged in his own unruly nature with his talent, Liu Yazi looked down upon others and sought official positions, from Guo Bi to Yuan Hongdao, they were all eager to curry favor with high-ranking officials. Wu Meicun and Zhao Mengfu eventually went from being remnants of the former dynasty to shamelessly serving the enemy. In summary, the lives of many scholars were intricately connected with political power. Whether they longed for or were disappointed in it, whether they or disdainfully rejected it, political power remained an unavoidable center of their lives. Their lives had to be defined by their relationship with political power. Taking imperial examinations, kowtowing to seek recommendations from prominent figures, obtaining official positions with arrogance, resigning in disgrace from the court, indulging in nature, being cynical, associating with courtesans and entertainers, or taking refuge in monks, Taoists, and alcohol—all in the name of upholding their moral image or perceiving the fickleness of the world and realizing the truth of life—many traditional scholars essentially lived within this cycle. This life has formed a dual structure. Dominating this structure is a well-known saying: "When prosperous, serve the world; when destitute, cultivate oneself." Whether in office or in exile, in the court or in the wilderness, there is no other path than this dualism. This is the entire chessboard of the lives of traditional scholars.