"Century Footprints: An Autobiography of a Modern Financial Scholar"

Author: Zi Yaohua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The book begins with memories of early schooling, reflecting on personal traits and the era's circumstances. It allows readers to explore the simple ideals and emotional foundation shaped by hardship, experiencing a tangible spiritual resource. It portrays the determination of that generation to stand up to external pressures, their loyal patriotism, and their single-minded commitment to serving society—only then feeling they had lived a worthwhile life. This book is a self-narrative by Zi Yaohua, a prominent figure in China's banking industry and a leading scholar in finance during the 20th century, along with recollections from his family and friends. It contains many valuable firsthand materials and unique insights into the history of Chinese finance, presenting a crucial aspect of modern China's financial development that serves as a valuable reference for future generations.
Zi Yaohua, born in the early 20th century, came from a remote mountain village in Hunan, traveled to Japan, and returned with a degree from Kyoto Imperial University. He built and maintained his business amid internal turmoil and external challenges, becoming one of the outstanding figures in Chinese-owned banks during the first half of the 20th century. In the early days of the People's Republic, he made significant contributions, earning praise for his role in the establishment of the republic. Simultaneously, he made notable achievements in the field of finance. Due to his unassuming nature, he remains relatively unknown. He lived by the principle of "conducting oneself with integrity and working diligently," a philosophy that bordered on being overly rigid, contrasting sharply with his identity as a "banker." The book presents a different kind of life pursuit to contemporary readers.