Yin-Yang Face: A Study on the Ecosystem 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 are their fates so similar? What is the difference between them and modern intellectuals—where do 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 are highly talented; yet, in today's perspective, they also exhibit obvious personal weaknesses. Gong Zizhen boasts of his romantic encounters in a vain manner, Zheng Banqiao profits by putting on an air of pretense, Huang Zhongze indulges in his own irascibility due to his talent, Liu Yazi looks down upon others and seeks official positions, from Gu Bi to Yuan Hongdao, all of them are eager to curry favor with high-ranking officials. Wu Meicun and Zhao Mengfu eventually go from being remnants of the former dynasty to shamelessly serving the enemy. In summary, the lives of many scholars are intricately linked with political power. Whether they desire or despair, speculate or disdain, political power remains an unavoidable center of their lives. Their lives must be defined in relation to political power. Taking imperial examinations, kowtowing to seek recommendations from prominent figures, obtaining official positions with arrogance, resigning in disgrace and seeking solace in nature, becoming cynical and disillusioned, associating with courtesans and entertainers, or taking refuge in monks, Taoists, and alcohol—all these are the circles in which many traditional scholars basically move. This life has formed a dualistic structure. Dominating this structure is a well-known saying: "When in power, serve the world; when in obscurity, cultivate oneself." Whether in court or in exile, in official circles or in the wilderness, there is no other path but this duality. This is the entire chessboard of the lives of traditional scholars.